infectious diseases
Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis
Prevention of Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis
No vaccine is available to prevent ehrlichiosis or anaplasmosis. Measures can be taken to prevent tick bites. (See alsoCenters for Disease Control and Prevention:Preventing tick bites.) Preventing tick access to skin includes Staying on paths and trails Tucking trousers into boots or socks Wearing long-sleeved shirts Applying repellents withdiethyltoluamide(DEET) to skin surfaces DEET should be used cautiously in very young children because toxic reactions have been reported.Permethrinon clothing effectively kills ticks. Frequent searches for ticks, particularly in hairy areas and on children, are essential in endemic areas. Engorged ticks should be removed with care and not crushed between the fingers because crushing the tick may result in disease transmission. The tick’s body should not be grasped or squeezed. Gradual traction on the head with a small forceps dislodges the tick. The point of attachment should be swabbed with alcohol. Petroleum jelly, lit matches, and other irritants arenoteffective ways to remove ticks and should not be used. No practical means are available to rid entire areas of ticks, but tick populations may be reduced in endemic areas by controlling small-animal populations. 