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Published on: August 25, 2018
Tick-Borne Disease Knowledge in the Transboundary USA-Mexico Region
Consuelo Aguilar1, Tamer Oraby2, Mirayda Torres-Avila1
1School of Integrative Biological and Chemical Sciences, Center for Vector-Borne, Zoonotic, and Emerging Diseases, College of Sciences, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, Texas, USA.
Background:
The USA-Mexico transboundary region has environmental conditions that may favor the occurrence and abundance of ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs). About 40 cases of Rickettsial infections have been reported in recent years in this region, mainly in Tamaulipas, Mexico (28 cases) and in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy Counties, Texas, USA; 12 cases). A low level of knowledge about TBD, along with inappropriate protection practices to prevent tick bites, could severely affect human health in this region.
Methods:
We assessed the purported understanding of ticks and TBDs among residents in cities of the transboundary region of USA-Mexico, creating awareness on how to prevent TBD. We developed and validated an online bilingual (English and Spanish) survey and distributed it using the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Qualtrics platform from October to December 2020.
Results:
In total, 543 people, aged from 18 to 67 years old, answered the survey. We found that 54.80% of the people reported knowledge of ticks and TBD, whereas 45.20% reported no knowledge, contradicting our prediction. Nonetheless, residents lack protection practices to prevent tick bites.
Conclusion:
Our findings can help develop educational tools in English and Spanish (e.g., videos and flyers) to prevent TBD in the transboundary region of USA-Mexico.
Insights
Residents in the USA-Mexico border region show a surprising lack of knowledge about tick-borne diseases (TBDs) and inadequate protection practices. This highlights a critical need for targeted educational initiatives to prevent TBD transmission.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Environmental Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The USA-Mexico transboundary region faces environmental conditions conducive to ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs).
- Approximately 40 rickettsial infection cases were reported recently in this region, with a notable concentration in Tamaulipas, Mexico, and the Texas Lower Rio Grande Valley.
- Limited public awareness and insufficient preventive measures against tick bites pose significant health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the understanding of ticks and TBDs among residents in the USA-Mexico transboundary region.
- To evaluate current knowledge and protection practices related to TBDs.
- To inform the development of targeted educational strategies for TBD prevention.
Main Methods:
- A bilingual (English/Spanish) online survey was developed and validated.
- The survey was distributed to residents in the USA-Mexico transboundary region via the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Qualtrics platform.
- Data was collected from October to December 2020, with 543 participants aged 18-67.
Main Results:
- Over half of the participants (54.80%) reported awareness of ticks and TBDs, contrary to initial predictions.
- A significant portion (45.20%) reported no knowledge of ticks and TBDs.
- Despite reported knowledge, residents demonstrated a lack of effective protection practices against tick bites.
Conclusions:
- Findings indicate a gap in TBD knowledge and preparedness among residents in the USA-Mexico transboundary region.
- There is a clear need for culturally appropriate and accessible educational materials (videos, flyers) in both English and Spanish.
- Developing and implementing these educational tools is crucial for mitigating TBD risks in the region.
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