Date: 2013-03-30
To: Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Greetings,I want to update folks on my research plans. I will be doing phenology measurements for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy at about 20 locations along the trail. Phenology measures seasonal changes in plants and animals and is being used to monitor for climate change.I also will be performing tick disease surveillance research. I have obtained research permits from 3 National Park Service units including the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. The ANST has also funded part of the research, along with the Lyme Disease Association and, hopefully other organizations. I will be sampling 45 shelter areas (including Trail) along the 2,200-mile trail to examine the relative risk of exposure to the Lyme disease (LD) tick vectors. Lyme disease is the most prevalent and arguably, the most potentially serious vector-borne disease in the nation. The initial phase causes flu-like symptoms and, in most cases a signature bulls-eye rash. If not treated immediately with antibiotics, it can progress to "chronic Lyme disease syndrome." This syndrome can affect many parts of the body (brain, digestion, and joints, to name a few) and is difficult and costly to treat. It can last years. Many medical professionals refuse to acknowledge this syndrome, hence it is controversial. Without taking a personal position, let me say it is definitely something to be avoided. Depending on funding, I hope to also test for other tick pathogens.In a later post, I will discuss the tick vectors of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. But one key point to know is that nymphal stages of deer ticks cause most cases of Lyme disease, but they are the size of a poppy seed or this period. You may never see them, so keep reading! Also know the tick vectors are most abundant in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic states, but are also present in the southern states. Very few cases of LD are reported south of VA.For you hikers out there, here is how you can prevent Lyme disease: (1) avoid tick habitat (grassy, shrubby areas and leaf litter). Ticks "quest" for hosts by climbing grass and shrubs. Immature forms (nymphs) are also found in leaf litter (and cause most cases of Lyme disease); (2) perform tick checks frequently throughout the day on exposed skin and a complete body check at night; (3)remove any ticks found attached immediately by using forceps and grabbing the head area and pulling straight out; (4) wear permethrin-treated clothing top to bottom. Commercially treated clothing is available or you can treat your own clothing. This stuff works and is your main line of defense. Insert pant cuffs into socks or low gaiters (treated of course)and shirt into pants. Ticks will climb upward and die or drop off treated clothing; (5) use DEET concentrations at 20-30% around wrists, ankles and neck; (6) if you are bitten, after removing the tick, I suggest you carry and take doxycycline (I have a prescription) and take 100mg tablets for two days. This is also controversial, but hey, it's my health and this what my doctor and I decided based on recent literature. One last note: if you never see the tick but develop flu symptoms or rash and don't have doxycycline, get off the Trail immediately and get to a doctor. Early treatment is the key to preventing the terrible sequelae of Lyme disease.