The Ad Hoc Tick Borne Disease Action Committee held a meeting on Wednesday,
June 23, 2010 at the C. H. Booth Library, Main Street, Newtown, CT
Present: Robert Grossman, Michele McLeod, Maggie Shaw, Kim Harrison, , Mary Gaudet-Wilson; Mark Alexander, George Miller, Kirk Blanchard, Pat Boily, Neil Chaudhary, Peter Licht
Not Present: David Delia
Also Present: David Shugarts and Donna Culbert
Call to Order: Dr. Grossman called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m.
Approval of Minutes: Mr. Alexander motioned to approve the minutes of June 16, 2010 as submitted. Motion seconded by Mr. Blanchard. Minutes approved unanimously.
Discussion: Education
Donna Culbert, Newtown District Health Director presented a draft report that was discussed by the Committee.
The report was broken down into sections. The need to make an effort to educate people about the risks of Lyme disease and how to prevent it. Understanding the risks of Lyme disease and how ticks are transmitted. Ms. Shaw mentioned a brochure out by Danbury Hospital citing a study of ticks from Head O’Meadow area showing that 38% of the ticks tested positive for Bartonella H, another emerging disease. Dr. Licht said that Bartonella H is not listed as a tick-borne disease. Ms. Wilson’s son tested positive for Lyme disease and Bartonella. Dr. Licht said there was insufficient information to prove a connection. Mr. Alexander suggested a paragraph addressing other diseases other than Lyme disease. Mr. Chaudhary suggested getting information to discuss at the next
meeting.
The discussion went on to the symptoms of Lyme disease. The public needs to know what to look for. Dr. Licht noted the importance of telling people about treatment if caught early enough. Dr. McLeod will check with pediatricians to see how children are treated. The information should be factual and not scare people. Newtown is ranked the highest in Fairfield and people should be aware of the risks.
The discussion continued on how to get the word out. Ms. Shaw didn’t think people knew about the life cycle of the tick. Perhaps a good internet message might get through to kids. An insert in the Bee was discussed as a possibility. The First Selectman should be asked for funding to get the message out. Every level at school and staff should be educated. Even treatment of pets should be taught. Mr. Chaudhary said there is a need to get to all people, perhaps at supermarkets, hardware stores, pharmacies. The Committee liked the small information card put out by the Lyme Disease Association which they suggest should be distributed throughout town.
Beyond prevention, feeding of deer should be discouraged. Mr. Chaudhary said that deer reduction might turn people away. There is a vast difference of opinion in this area.
Ms. Culbert will work to update the report and distribute the revised draft to the Committee for future discussion.
Mr. Chaudhary left the meeting at 9:15 p.m.
Mr. Shugarts spend a little time with HVCO discussing the possibility of a tick-mobile to get people’s attention. Possibly sharing it with other towns. After making a few inquiries about the school curriculum he found that it was not being taught. More is being addressed by the Boy Scouts. Ms. Culbert will make inquiries.
Dr. Licht suggested a 10k race with T-shirts. Include other towns. This could give a financial boost and educate people at the same time. Mr. Shugarts mentioned TV networking. Once a curriculum is in place, kids will pass the information on to parents.
Finally, ticks and the diseases they cause must be taught throughout the community. Also tick life-cycle, prevention and clothing.
Dr. Grossman thanked Ms. Culbert for the report. Ms. Culbert asked for any suggestions for possible insertion into the next draft.
Public Comments – No public comments.
Final Comments – None
Executive Session - None
Dr. McLeod made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Ms. Wilson. The motion was approved unanimously.
The committee adjourned at 9:50 pm.
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