A nurse is working at a summer camp for teenagers. Before the camp hiking trip, the nurse creates a presentation about how to prevent Lyme disease. The nurse would include which of the following in the presentation?
rinse clothing worn on the hike in cool water at the end of the day
wear dark colors during the hike to repel ticks
use insect repellent containing DEET on skin, clothing, and gear
cover any ticks found on skin with petroleum jelly to suffocate them
keep pants legs tucked into socks to prevent ticks from contacting skin
Numbers 3 and 5 are correct.
The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to prevent tick bites and remove ticks quickly and effectively if bitten. Using an insect repellent with DEET is effective at repelling ticks, and wearing long pants tucked into socks will help protect the legs from tick bites. Hikers should wear light-colored clothing so ticks can be easily seen. If a tick is seen on the body, it should be removed with fine tweezers; never attempt to burn or suffocate a tick. In addition, drying clothing on high heat will kill any ticks hiding in clothing. Rinsing clothing in cool water is ineffective.
