Cinnaminson, NJ, May 14th , 2020
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. Approximately 30,000 cases of the disease are reported to the agency by state health departments and the District of Columbia each year; however, recent estimates using other methods suggest that approximately 300,000 people may get Lyme disease annually in this country.
In North America, the disease is caused primarily by the bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. These ticks can attach to any part of the human body. In most cases, the tick must be attached for 36 to 48 hours or more before the bacterium can be transmitted.
To help spread awareness and education, May is recognized as National Lyme Disease Awareness Month. May is also the beginning of tick season in many parts of the country. This month of recognition is an excellent time for people in areas where Lyme disease is common to take preventive measures. These include knowing where to expect ticks, avoiding contact with ticks, treating clothes and gear with the appropriate EPA-registered insect repellants, and checking pets and one’s body after being outdoors.
“All of us that live or visit areas with blacklegged ticks can be at risk of developing Lyme disease if bitten by an infected tick,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Occupational exposure to Lyme disease is also a significant concern for the millions of workers who spend time outdoors in parts of the country where these infected ticks can be found.”
To help prevent this disease, EMSL Analytical, Inc. developed a Lyme Disease Tick Test Kit that tests ticks for Borrelia burgdorferi. The tick to be sampled is collected and sent to EMSL’s 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.
To learn more about testing ticks for Borrelia burgdorferi, please visit www.TickTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. To obtain a Lyme Disease Tick Test Kit, please visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 46 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-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC 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.