Highlights
Lyme Disease Tests
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a two-step process for testing blood for the presences of yme disease:
- Step 1: Patients should first get an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or an indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test. If the test result is negative, the person probably does not have Lyme disease. If the test is positive, step 2 is advised.
- Step 2: Patients with a positive ELISA or IFA test should get a Western blot test to confirm the earlier test results.
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In 2005, the CDC recommended against the use of all other types of Lyme disease tests due to a lack of scientific evidence regarding their accuracy.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain spotted fever can turn up in unexpected places. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, a recent outbreak in Arizona was due to an expanding wild dog population. This tick-borne infection is most prevalent in southern parts of the United States, but can occur elsewhere. A spotted rash appear 5 to 10 days after infection. Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be fatal.
New Insect Repellent Recommendations
In 2005, the CDC recommended two new types of insect repellent products:
- Picaridin has been sold for many years in other countries. It is now available in the United States.
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus is a plant-based repellent that works as well as low concentrations of DEET. However, it should not be used on children younger than 3 years of age.
- According to the CDC, picaridin and DEET are the most effective types of insect repellents.
DEET Guidelines
DEET is still considered the best insect repellent, but recommendations for concentration levels vary:
- The Environmental Protection Agency suggests that any DEET concentration can safely be used on children older than 2 months.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children use a lower concentration of DEET (less than 10%) and avoid DEET concentrations greater than 30%.
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