Bobbi Pritt, M.D., Featured on Mayo Clinic Radio to Discuss Lyme Disease Predictions for 2017

By Kelley Luedke • May 2, 2017

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On the April 22 broadcast of Mayo Clinic Radio, co-hosts Tracy McCray and Tom Shives, M.D., spoke with Bobbi Pritt, M.D., Director of the Clinical Parasitology Laboratory, about an update on Lyme disease predictions for 2017.

In 2017, experts have predicted that Lyme disease will be particularly bad, especially in the northeastern United States. On the show, Dr. Pritt discussed what Lyme disease is, symptoms, and why this year we will see ticks earlier. She also talked about the importance of recognizing Lyme disease early for treatment and what you can do to prevent it.

According to Dr. Pritt, to prevent tick bites, follow the "ABCs" of tick prevention:

• A: Avoid. If you can, avoid areas where ticks are found, such as tall grasses and shrubs that go up to about your knees. Ticks can't fly or jump, but they crawl up the vegetation, extending their legs and waiting for you to walk by.
• B: Bug Spray. If you're going to be outside, you can spray Deet on exposed skin that will repel the ticks. You can also spray a chemical on your clothing called permethrin, which will kill the ticks. Dr. Pritt recommends doing both.
• C: Clothing. If you can, cover up your skin. If less skin is exposed, there is lower risk for tick bites.

Listen to the Podcast
To listen to the interview, the radio segment featuring Dr. Pritt begins at 19:50 and runs through 28:45. If you have time, the full show begins with orthopedic surgeon Norman Turner, III, M.D., discussing treatment for common foot problems and ways to prevent them. Also on the program, critical care physician and sleep medicine expert Timothy Morgenthaler, M.D., tries to help answer this common question: Why can't I sleep?

Kelley Luedke

Kelley Luedke is a Marketing Channel Manager at Mayo Clinic Laboratories. She is the principle editor and writer of Insights and leads social media and direct marketing strategy. Kelley has worked at Mayo Clinic since 2013. Outside of work, you can find Kelley running, traveling, playing with her kitty, and exploring new foods.