Cinnaminson, NJ, May 8th, 2018
May is recognized as Lyme Disease Awareness Month and it is also the beginning of tick season. It is a time when government agencies, healthcare advocates and those dedicated to educating the public about the condition and ways to avoid infection join together to increase awareness of this important topic.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year, more than 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported nationwide. However, studies suggest the actual number of people with the disease is more likely around 300,000.
In North America, the disease is caused by the bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. These ticks can attach to any part of the human body, but are often found in hard-to-see areas such as the groin, armpits and scalp. In most cases, the tick must be attached for 36 to 48 hours or more before the bacterium can be transmitted.
Anyone can be at risk for Lyme disease if they are bit by an infected tick, but children are at particularly high risk of becoming infected. Occupational exposure to Lyme disease is also a significant concern for millions of workers who spend much of their time outdoors in areas known to have disease-causing ticks. The CDC encourages people to seek medical attention if they observe symptoms and have had a tick bite, live in an area known for Lyme disease or recently traveled to an area where Lyme disease occurs.
“Medical professionals offer blood tests for Lyme disease and EMSL Analytical has developed a Lyme Disease Tick Test Kit for the general public that tests the actual ticks for Borrelia burgdorferi,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The tick to be sampled is collected and sent to our laboratory where it is tested using an exceptionally accurate and powerful PCR-based DNA analysis. If the results come back positive for Borrelia burgdorferi, medical professionals can then be contacted to begin possible treatment options.”
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with 44 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria,
Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at
www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.
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