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Fellin E, Varin M, Millien V. Outdoor worker knowledge of ticks and Lyme disease in Québec. Zoonoses Public Health 2024. [PMID: 38967431 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Lyme disease is a well-known occupational risk across North America caused by exposure to Borrelia burgdorferi via blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis). As the geographic range of B. burgdorferi advances with the increasing distribution of blacklegged ticks, more outdoor workers are at risk of contracting Lyme disease. In this study, we examined the demography and personal perceptions of outdoor workers within one framework to better determine the overall risk for those working outdoors. METHODS AND RESULTS We analysed outdoor worker knowledge of ticks and of behaviours that can prevent tick bites and Lyme disease. We then compared these risk perceptions of individuals across age, sex, education, and industry, as well as time spent outdoors. We tested the hypothesis that the risk perception of an individual and their knowledge of Lyme disease transmission was dependent on their demographics, experience in their job, and the region in which they spend time outdoors. We estimated a knowledge-based risk score based on individuals' answers to a questionnaire on risk perception given to voluntary participants who work outdoors. Those who had higher risk scores were more at risk. We found that knowledge-based risk scores were correlated with geographic risk levels and with the number of hours per day spent outdoors. Those who work longer hours and who work in areas with mid-level risk had higher risk scores. Those who spend more time outdoors recreationally had lower risk scores. CONCLUSIONS Further examination and acknowledgment of the reasoning behind why these factors are affecting workers' risks must be considered to recognize that it is not necessarily demographics or geographically high-risk areas that affect an individual's risk. Workers' knowledge of these risks is affected by several variables that should be taken into consideration when implementing safety measures and awareness programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Fellin
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Mathieu Varin
- Centre d'enseignement et de Recherche en Foresterie (CERFO), Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Virginie Millien
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
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Kim P, Maxwell S, Parijat N, Kim D, McNeely CL. Targeted Tick-Borne Disease Recognition: Assessing Risk for Improved Public Health. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:984. [PMID: 38786395 PMCID: PMC11121250 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12100984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) pose a rapidly growing threat to public health. The incidence of TBDs is on the rise, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the risk factors beyond demographic considerations. This brief report combines a preliminary review of the literature with geographical case mapping to identify the various factors influencing TBD risk. The report highlights the vulnerability of outdoor workers, the importance of outdoor activities, and the role of education in adopting preventive behaviors. Pet ownership and interactions with animals are also associated with an increased risk. The state of Illinois is used as a case study for this report, revealing regional variations in TBD incidence, and linking them to agricultural practices, forested areas, and park accessibility. These findings inform recommendations for targeted prevention strategies, emphasizing the need for detailed geographical data to enhance public health efforts in curbing TBD incidence and risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pyung Kim
- School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA; (P.K.); (N.P.); (D.K.)
| | - Sarah Maxwell
- School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA; (P.K.); (N.P.); (D.K.)
| | - Nabila Parijat
- School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA; (P.K.); (N.P.); (D.K.)
| | - Dohyeong Kim
- School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA; (P.K.); (N.P.); (D.K.)
| | - Connie L. McNeely
- Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
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Yasobant S, Lekha KS, Saxena D. Risk Assessment Tools from the One Health Perspective: A Narrative Review. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2024; 17:955-972. [PMID: 38645899 PMCID: PMC11032120 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s436385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background 61% of the infections around the world that have emerged to date are zoonotic. Evidence warns that the threat posed by zoonoses is on the rise, and the risk of a new pandemic is higher now than ever. Early identification of risk, populations at risk, and risk of transmission are essential steps towards a prevention, preparation and response to outbreaks. This review aims to look at the tools available for identifying and estimating risks and threats from one health perspective and finally propose a list of indicators which could assess the risk of transmission of disease at the humans, animals and the environment intersection. Methods The databases like PubMed, google scholar, Embase and Scopus were used to extract the relevant articles. A search was carried out using a keyword. A total of 1311 articles were listed initially after the search and reviewed. Out of 1311, only 26 tools which assessed the risk of diseases mainly infectious or were relevant to risk of transmission of any infectious diseases were included in the review. Results The tools included in this review involve risk assessment at the environmental, animal and human dimensions. The tools are used to evaluate the contamination of the environment due to chemicals or toxins or the risk of transmission of infection due to environmental factors like air contamination, to identify the animal diseases like bovine respiratory disease and foot and mouth disease and to estimate the human health risk at the community or individual levels. Conclusion Risk assessment tools are an essential part of the prevention of pandemics. These tools are helpful in assessing the risk of transmission of infections either from human to human, between human and animals, between animals and animals and so on. Thus this review gives us an insight into the existing risk assessment tools and the need for a One Health risk assessment tools to prevent outbreaks in future. It also provides a list of factors that can be included in a one health risk assessment tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandul Yasobant
- Centre for One Health Education, Research & Development (COHERD), Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPHG), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
- School of Epidemiology & Public Health, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (DMIMS), Wardha, MH, India
- Global Health, Institute for Hygiene & Public Health, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - K Shruti Lekha
- Centre for One Health Education, Research & Development (COHERD), Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPHG), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Deepak Saxena
- Centre for One Health Education, Research & Development (COHERD), Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPHG), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
- School of Epidemiology & Public Health, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (DMIMS), Wardha, MH, India
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Schulte PA, Jacklitsch BL, Bhattacharya A, Chun H, Edwards N, Elliott KC, Flynn MA, Guerin R, Hodson L, Lincoln JM, MacMahon KL, Pendergrass S, Siven J, Vietas J. Updated assessment of occupational safety and health hazards of climate change. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2023; 20:183-206. [PMID: 37104117 PMCID: PMC10443088 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2023.2205468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Workers, particularly outdoor workers, are among the populations most disproportionately affected by climate-related hazards. However, scientific research and control actions to comprehensively address these hazards are notably absent. To assess this absence, a seven-category framework was developed in 2009 to characterize the scientific literature published from 1988-2008. Using this framework, a second assessment examined the literature published through 2014, and the current one examines literature from 2014-2021. The objectives were to present literature that updates the framework and related topics and increases awareness of the role of climate change in occupational safety and health. In general, there is substantial literature on worker hazards related to ambient temperatures, biological hazards, and extreme weather but less on air pollution, ultraviolet radiation, industrial transitions, and the built environment. There is growing literature on mental health and health equity issues related to climate change, but much more research is needed. The socioeconomic impacts of climate change also require more research. This study illustrates that workers are experiencing increased morbidity and mortality related to climate change. In all areas of climate-related worker risk, including geoengineering, research is needed on the causality and prevalence of hazards, along with surveillance to identify, and interventions for hazard prevention and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. A. Schulte
- Advanced Technologies and Laboratories International, Inc, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - B. L. Jacklitsch
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - A. Bhattacharya
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - H. Chun
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Atlanta, Georgia
| | - N. Edwards
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - K. C. Elliott
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Anchorage, Alaska
| | - M. A. Flynn
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - R. Guerin
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - L. Hodson
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) (retired), Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - J. M. Lincoln
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - K. L. MacMahon
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - S. Pendergrass
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) (retired), Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - J. Siven
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - J. Vietas
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Cincinnati, Ohio
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Magnavita N, Capitanelli I, Ilesanmi O, Chirico F. Occupational Lyme Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12020296. [PMID: 35204387 PMCID: PMC8870942 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12020296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease (LD) can have significant consequences for the health of workers. The frequency of infection can be estimated by using prevalence and incidence data on antibodies against Borrelia Burgdoferi (BB). A systematic search of studies published in English between 2002 and 2021 and a meta-analysis were conducted in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Out of a total of 1125 studies retrieved, 35 articles were included in the systematic review. Overall, in these studies, outdoor workers showed a 20.5% BB seroprevalence rate. Meta-analysis, performed on 15 studies (3932 subjects), revealed a significantly increased risk in outdoor activities (OR 1.93 95%CI 1.15–3.23), with medium-level heterogeneity (I2 = 69.2%), and non-significant publication bias. The estimated OR in forestry and agricultural workers was 2.36 (CI95% 1.28; 4.34) in comparison with the controls, while a non-significant increase in risk (OR = 1.05, CI95% 0.28; 3.88) was found in the remaining categories of workers (veterinarians, animal breeders, soldiers). The estimated pooled risk was significantly higher in the studies published until 2010 (OR 3.03 95%CI 1.39–6.61), while in more recent studies the odds became non-significant (OR 1.08 95% CI 0.63–1.85). The promotion of awareness campaigns targeting outdoor workers in endemic areas, and the implementation of local programs aimed at controlling range expansion of vectors, are key strategies for protecting workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Magnavita
- Post-Graduate School of Occupational Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Science of Woman, Child & Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCSS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-34-7330-0367
| | - Ilaria Capitanelli
- Prevention Service in the Workplace (SPRESAL), Local Health Unit Roma 4, 00053 Civitavecchia, Italy;
| | - Olayinka Ilesanmi
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200281, Nigeria;
| | - Francesco Chirico
- Post-Graduate School of Occupational Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy;
- Health Service Department, Italian State Police, Ministry of the Interior, 20123 Milan, Italy
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