Tick Bites

THURSDAY, July 20, 2023 -- During 2012 to 2021, 251 cases of soft tick relapsing fever (STRF), caused by certain Borrelia spirochetes and transmitted to humans by soft-bodied Ornithodoros ticks, were reported in 11 states, according to research published in the July 21 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report . Amy M. Beeson, M.D., from the CDC in Atlanta, and colleagues summarized demographic and clinical information for STRF cases reported during 2012 to 2021. The researchers identified 251 cases in 11 states during the study period, with a median annual case count of 24. During the study period, there was no significant change in the number of cases observed. Overall, 55 percent of the patients with STRF were hospitalized, but there were no fatalities. Since the 1990s, the geographic distribution and seasonal pattern of STRF have remained relatively constant. In areas where STRF is endemic, persons should avoid rodent-infested structures and habitats, such as caves. "To reduce STRF incidence in the United States, progress in surveillance, prevention, and disease recognition is needed," the authors write. "Residents and visitors to areas where STRF is endemic should be educated about how to prevent soft tick bites (most importantly, avoidance of rodent-infested structures and rodent habitats such as caves) and when to seek medical care." Abstract/Full Text Posted July 2023

SATURDAY, May 13, 2023 -- The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to not get bitten by a tick, or to get it off your body within 24 hours. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy the great outdoors. Experts from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston offer some tips for keeping ticks away. “Lyme’s manifestations can be perplexing,” professor of immunology Dr. Linden Hu said in a school news release. “And its effects are far-reaching. Our best strategy for tackling it is to prevent its occurrence, and the best way to do that is to get rid of it at its source.” Nearly a half-million people in the United States contract Lyme disease each year. Ticks carrying the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi pass it to humans by a bite. That bite causes the bacteria to migrate through the skin and sometimes into the bloodstream. Antibiotics offered soon after can help most people. Blood tests can take several weeks to turn positive, however, so recognizing the early symptoms is important. They include a rash that develops after you've spent time outdoors, especially if it has a bullseye or circular shape that expands over a day or two. Undiagnosed cases of Lyme can lead to serious complications, including arthritis, meningitis and heart problems. About 10% to 20% of people experience persistent fatigue, joint pain, mental impairment and other symptoms lasting for months to years. Hu is working with a team from the Maine Medical Center and Tufts' Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine to try to eradicate Lyme by 2030. Meanwhile, when you're spending time outdoors, the experts advise avoiding tall grass and dense brush. Stay toward the middle of hiking trails. “Ticks have an incredible ability to hitchhike,” said Sam Telford III , professor of infectious disease and global health at the Cummings School. Wear light-colored clothing so you can easily spot the dark-colored bugs. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and closed-toed shoes, tucking your pants legs into your socks. “Deer ticks alone can spread five different infections," Telford said in the release. "So many infectious agents occupy our woods.” Use proven repellents, containing at least 20% DEET. Spray repellent on your skin, ideally in an open area, according to the directions on product labels. DEET can be used on children and infants older than 2 months, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Avoid applying the product to children’s hands and around the eyes and mouth. Children under age 10 shouldn’t apply repellent to themselves. Consider spraying clothing, shoes and camping gear with insecticides that contain 0.5% permethrin, following label instructions and applying the chemical in a well-ventilated area. Keep the spray and any still-wet treated items away from cats, because permethrin is toxic to them. Do regular tick checks when you’re outside, even if you’re dressed defensively, and check again every time you come indoors. Take a shower and feel for new bumps on soapy skin. This can also wash away the tick before it has a chance to bite. Pay special attention to areas where ticks try to hide, including under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the toes, under hair, in groin areas and near the waist. Wash clothing after time spent outdoors. Ticks can transmit Lyme disease after being attached 36 to 72 hours, so finding them earlier helps. If you do find a tick, use pointed tweezers to remove it. Grasp the tick at its mouth, where it’s attached to your skin. Pull back slowly, steadily and firmly, as you would do for a splinter. The tick will eventually ease out. If you accidentally leave the head buried in the skin, leave it there. It will come out on its own as your skin sheds, the experts said. After removing the tick, clean the area with soap and water. If you develop a rash, call your doctor and ask for a Lyme test. But take note: Not all tick bites produce the bullseye or lead to any rash at all, Hu said. It’s important to also pay attention to how you’re feeling. See a doctor if you have fatigue, fever, aches and pains, or headaches. Sources Tufts University, news release, May 4, 2023 Posted May 2023

TORONTO--( BUSINESS WIRE )--Mednow Inc (TSXV: MNOW) (OTCQX:MDNWF), Canada’s on-demand virtual pharmacy is supportive of the new expanded scope of practice for Ontario pharmacists. As of January 1st, pharmacists in Ontario are now able to better support patients by assessing and prescribing treatment for 13 minor conditions. These conditions include: hives, cold sores, urinary tract infections and pink eye, among others. These services are available for patients with a valid Ontario health card. There is no out-of-pocket charge for patients as this initiative is publicly funded. "We are thrilled to see the expanded scope of practice for pharmacists in Ontario," said Ali Reyhany, CEO and Co-Founder of Mednow. "This is a major step forward for healthcare in the province and we are proud to support our pharmacists as they take on these new responsibilities. Ontarians will now have more convenient access to treat minor conditions in a cost effective manner. We also applaud the government for implementing virtual billing codes for this clinical service in addition to in-person billing codes. Such policies go further to enhance our system with efficient and accessible healthcare for the maximum number of Canadians, especially those who are homebound for a multitude of reasons, such as the elderly,” Said Ali Reyhany, CEO at Mednow. The expanded scope of practice for Ontario pharmacists will allow Mednow to expand its virtual care program to include pharmacist-led prescribing. The existing Nurse Practitioner led Mednow Virtual Care service has been issuing prescriptions where appropriate, ordering lab work and making referrals at no cost to Mednow patients. The interdisciplinary and digital first model of patient care has been successful in providing convenient and accessible care to our patients. Pharmacists prescribing for these minor ailments will provide not only improved team based care for our clients, but realizes cost savings in wages and open a new revenue stream into the existing built infrastructure for Mednow, who will be reimbursed under the Ontario Drug Benefits Program for these prescribing services. This new service available at Mednow complements the recently announced pharmacist in-home medication cabinet clean up and medication review program. Mednow believes patients can receive amazing care in limited circumstances and as governments lean more and more on allied healthcare to help our stressed system, Mednow will be at the forefront of this evolution. We are confident that the expansion of our virtual care program to include pharmacist-led consultations will greatly benefit our patients and improve access to essential healthcare services. We encourage all members of the community to take advantage of this convenient and accessible care option at Mednow Pharmacy. The 13 ailments include hay fever, oral thrush, dermatitis, pink eye, menstrual cramps, acid reflux, hemorrhoids, cold sores, impetigo, insect bites and hives, tick bites, sprains and strains, and UTIs. Pharmacists already play a significant role in Ontario's public health system, partnering with other healthcare professionals to provide important care to Ontarians. These include medication reviews and consultations, vaccine administration and advising patients on health concerns. “I am proud that my profession of pharmacy is taking a bigger role in patient care at a time when we need innovative solutions more than ever. Kudos to the Government of Ontario for making a change that patients will feel the immediate benefit from,” said Ali Reyhany, Pharmacist and CEO of Mednow. Minor ailments can often be managed with self-care strategies and minimal treatment or follow-up required. Pharmacists can offer timely services to patients, helping Ontarians avoid wait times. Accessing care for minor ailments is simple and easy – Ontarians can book an appointment or speak with a pharmacist online or through the Mednow app. About Mednow Mednow (TSXV: MNOW) (OTCQX:MDNWF) is a healthcare technology company offering virtual access with a high-standard of care. Designed with accessibility and quality of care in mind, Mednow provides virtual pharmacy and telemedicine services as well as doctor home visits through an interdisciplinary approach to healthcare that is focused on the patient experience. Mednow’s services include free at-home delivery of medications, doctor consultations, a user-friendly interface for easy upload, transfer, and refill of prescriptions, access to healthcare professionals through an intuitive chat experience and the specialized PillSmart™ system that packages prescriptions in easy to use daily dose packs, each labeled with the date and time of the next dose. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. 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