The document outlines the efforts of the Fairfax County Health Department to monitor and manage Lyme disease cases between 1991 and 2009. Key initiatives include human disease surveillance, tick surveillance, public education, physician education, and a deer management program aimed at controlling tick populations. The document emphasizes the importance of community awareness and personal protection measures to prevent Lyme disease.

1. Lyme Disease in Fairfax County Peter Troell, MD, MPH Medical Epidemiologist Fairfax County Health Department

3. Reported Lyme Disease Cases Fairfax County, 1991-2009

4. Reported Lyme Cases by Age and Sex Fairfax County, 2005-2009

7. Reported Lyme Cases by Month of Illness Onset Fairfax County, 2005-2009

8. Fairfax County Response to Lyme Disease Monitor Lyme disease activity in the County: Human Lyme disease surveillance Tick surveillance Prevent disease and lessen impact through: Public outreach and education Physician education Deer Management Program

9. Human Disease Surveillance Objective: To identify new cases of Lyme disease and monitor disease trends in the County Activities: Reporting of cases to FCHD by healthcare providers Reporting of positive test results by private laboratories Use of CDC Lyme disease case definition for consistency Entering cases in a database for local, state, and national statistics

10. Tick Surveillance Objective : To monitor tick abundance and disease infection rates Activities : Tick trapping Tick collection from deer and other animals Tick laboratory testing for Lyme and other diseases Research to refine methods Tick identification service

11. Public Education and Outreach Objective : To increase public awareness and provide education on personal protection measures Activities : Informational booths Fairs, festivals, other events Presentations Community groups, landscapers, Police, Parks and Recreation Public service announcement for theaters, TV, and schools Distribution of educational materials

12. Educational Materials Tick Brochure Reference Guide Mailed to every household in County Repellent Guide Tick Fact Card Tick ID Card Children’s reader In production Web Page www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fightthebite

13. Physician Education Objective : To increase physician awareness and educate physicians to help ensure early diagnosis and treatment Activities : Physician educational outreach: Direct mail of educational materials, newsletter articles, educational forums

14. Deer Management Program Objective: Control deer population in the County Activities : Deer population reduction Humane exclusion & repellency Public education Research

15. Do you know how to protect yourself? Lyme disease prevention starts with YOU : Avoid tick habitats Maintain a tick free yard Dress to protect Use insect repellent Protect your pet Remove ticks promptly Know the early signs and symptoms of Lyme disease

16. Acknowledgements Virginia Department of Health U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Public Health Images Library