infections
Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis
Prevention of Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis
To prevent these disorders, people should take measures to prevent tick bites. (See also theCenters 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 with diethyltoluamide (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 areas where infections transmitted by ticks are common. 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 are not effective ways to remove ticks and should not be used. No practical means are available to rid entire areas of ticks. However, the number of ticks may be reduced in areas where it is common by making the environment less appealing to the animals that carry the ticks. For example, people can make areas less appealing to mice by removing wood piles and leaf litter and clearing tall grasses and brush around homes, especially play areas. Mice can hide and nest in such places. 