Cluster of Lyme Disease Cases at a Summer Camp
Author Information
Author(s): G. Thomas Strickland, M.D., Ph.D., Leena Trivedi, Ph.D., Stanley Watkins, B.S., Margaret Clothier, R.N., John Grant, M.D., M.P.H., John Morgan, M.D., Edward Schmidtman, Ph.D., Thomas Burkot, Ph.D.
Primary Institution: University of Maryland School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Is Lyme disease present at the summer camp in Kent County, Maryland?
Conclusion
The study found evidence of Lyme disease exposure among camp employees, but not all cases were diagnosed.
Supporting Evidence
- Eight cases of Lyme disease were reported among camp employees.
- Four counselors exhibited symptoms consistent with Lyme disease but were not diagnosed.
- Serologic testing identified some patients with positive results for Borrelia burgdorferi.
- Ticks collected at the camp tested positive for B. burgdorferi.
Takeaway
Some campers and counselors got sick from Lyme disease, but not everyone who was sick was diagnosed correctly.
Methodology
Interviews and serologic testing were conducted among camp employees to assess Lyme disease exposure.
Potential Biases
There may be risks of bias due to the reliance on serologic testing and the potential for false positives.
Limitations
The study could not confirm Lyme disease in all patients due to the timing of serologic testing and potential prior infections.
Participant Demographics
Camp employees and counselors, including a 9-year-old camper.
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