Summertime is the prime season for insect bites. Some insect bites can cause lingering symptoms and even potentially fatal infection. The Penn Transplant Institute shares tips for prevention of infections carried by ticks and mosquitoes, which include: Lyme Disease, Anaplasma, Babesia, Ehrlichia, West Nile, and Powassan. These infections may be found in the Northeastern United States, in areas such as Delaware Valley, New Jersey, and Delaware. Cases of West Nile have been reported in local areas.
Many of these infections can be carried by ticks. Ticks are difficult to see with the naked eye, usually only identified under the lens of a magnifying glass Symptoms of these insect transmitted infections may include fever, rash, low blood count, and occasionally meningitis/encephalitis (infections of the nervous system). West Nile Virus is an infection transmitted by mosquitoes which can potentially cause severe infection in transplant recipients, including meningitis/encephalitis.
Prevention is Key
It is important that transplant patients take steps to protect themselves. Here are a few simple steps you can take when spending time outdoors during the summer.
Avoid Contact with Ticks
Ticks live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas.
- Avoid high grass and leaf litter.
- Walk in the center of trails.
Ticks can also live on animals, so be aware when spending time outdoors and around pets.
If you are planning an activity that may increase your risk of tick exposure, you can treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5 percent permethrin.
Use Insect Repellant on Exposed Skin
Acceptable insect repellants are those that contain one of the following ingredients:
- DEET
- Picaridin
- IR3535
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
- Para-methane-diol (PMD)
- 2-undecanone
Please read the instructions to make sure that you reapply as needed to prevent insect bites.
Wear Long-Sleeved Shirts and Pants
Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants will provide an added layer of protect against insects.
Use Screens on Windows and Doors
Screens will help block and prevent insects from entering your home.
Avoid Standing Water to Limit Mosquito Exposure
Once per week, do the following: empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots, or trash containers.
At Home Protection
- Check Your Clothing for Ticks
- Conduct a full body check upon return from potentially tick-infested areas. It may be helpful to use a full-length mirror to check everywhere, including:
- In and around the ears
- Inside belly button
- Back of the knees
- In and around the hair
- Between the legs
- Around the waist
- Under the arms
- Examine Gear and Pets for Ticks
- Inspect you pets when you reenter you home. Ticks and other insects can hide in your pet's fur. Be sure to wash pets after outdoor activities.
- Shower Within Two Hours After Being Outdoors
This will help wash off unattached ticks, and it's a good opportunity to do a tick check.
- Wash and Dry Clothing Immediately After Outdoor Activities
Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing. If the clothes are damp, additional time may be needed. If the clothes require washing first, hot water is recommended.
Sun Protection
It is also important to wear sunscreen to protect yourself during these months. It is preferable to avoid the use of combination products. Please make sure to first apply your sunscreen and allow it to dry and then apply insect repellent.
If you develop a fever, rash, new or worsening fatigue, or severe headache, please remember to call your transplant team promptly to avoid complications. In addition, a transplant coordinator is available to answer questions any time via myPennMedicine or by phone at 215-662-6200.