Evaluating the risk of tick‐borne relapsing fever among occupational cavers—Austin,TX, 2017 |
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| Authors: | Stefanie B Campbell Anna Klioueva Jeff Taylor Christina Nelson Suzanne Tomasi Adam Replogle Natalie Kwit Christopher Sexton Amy Schwartz Alison Hinckley |
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| Abstract: | Tick‐borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is a potentially serious spirochetal infection caused by certain species of Borrelia and acquired through the bite of Ornithodoros ticks. In 2017, Austin Public Health, Austin, TX, identified five cases of febrile illness among employees who worked in caves. A cross‐sectional serosurvey and interview were conducted for 44 employees at eight organizations that conduct cave‐related work. Antibodies against TBRF‐causing Borrelia were detected in the serum of five participants, four of whom reported recent illness. Seropositive employees entered significantly more caves (Median 25 SD: 15] versus Median 4 SD: 16], p = 0.04) than seronegative employees. Six caves were entered more frequently by seropositive employees posing a potentially high risk. Several of these caves were in public use areas and were opened for tours. Education of area healthcare providers about TBRF and prevention recommendations for cavers and the public are advised. |
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| Keywords: |
Borrelia
Borrelia hermsii
Borrelia turicatae
TBRF TX |
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