Local Libraries to Host Tick-Borne Illness Presentations in April
One of the most noticeable indications of our changing climate is the rise in the tick population
and accompanying increase in tick-borne illnesses. While Lyme disease is the most common,
other maladies spread by ticks including anaplasmosis and babesiosis are also on the rise.
According to the CDC, Vermont is one of the 14 states where 95% of confirmed Lyme disease
cases have occurred. Anaplasmosis resulted in hospitalization of 24% of all cases reported in
Vermont. Education is one key step to break the chain of exposure to tick-borne illnesses.
Recognizing these issues within their communities, Charlotte Library and Carpenter-Carse
Library have teamed up to host Tick-Borne Hazards: Staying Healthy in a Changing Climate,
presentations hosted in April that will focus on protecting humans and pets from tick-borne
illnesses.
The public libraries will host two events. First, at Charlotte Library on April 2 nd at 6:30 p.m.,
Kate Hammond from the Vermont Department of Health present on how to “Be Tick Smart.”
Her presentation will include how to prevent tick bites, remove ticks if you have been bitten, and
steps to take after a bite. She also brings a plethora of information about specific tick-borne
diseases and the types of ticks found here in Vermont. There will be time for Q & A following
Kate’s presentation.
Later in April at Carpenter-Carse Library in Hinesburg, Doctor Liam Bisson of Shelburne
Veterinary Hospital will present What Pet Owners Need to Know About Ticks and Lyme Disease.
This presentation will take place at CCL at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16 th . Dr. Bisson will
share information about preventing tick-borne illnesses in pets. He will also discuss how to
recognize the symptoms of Lyme disease and will go over the current course of treatment for the
illness. There will be time for Q & A following his presentation.
This project is funded in part by the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health,
Department of Health and Human Services, under Cooperative Agreement Number
UG4LM012347 with the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester.