Lyme disease is a potentially preventable bacterial infection spread by the bite of an infected black-legged tick. In this module we will look at primary prevention strategies for Lyme disease and the evidence that supports their use. We will also consider some promising tools that may be available in the future.     


Instructor: Beatrice M. Szantyr, MD

Learning objectives:

  1. To discuss personal protection measures as primary prevention against blacklegged tick bites
  2. To describe property management strategies to decrease the presence and infectivity of black-legged ticks 
  3. To discuss the need for integrated pest management strategies
  4. To describe some promising future tools



Accreditation Statement

This session, Lyme Disease: An Ounce of Prevention, is approved for 0.75 enduring AAFP Prescribed credits.

The AAFP has reviewed VectorWise CME, and deemed it acceptable for AAFP credit. Term of approval is from 05/15/2025 to 05/14/2026. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

AAFP Prescribed credit is accepted by the American Medical Association as equivalent to AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™ toward the AMA Physician’s Recognition Award. When applying for the AMA PRA, Prescribed credit earned must be reported as Prescribed, not as Category 1.

References

References

References

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Beatrice M. Szantry, MD

About the Instructor

Beatrice M. Szantyr, MD

Dr. Beatrice Szantyr, a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and member of the American College of Physicians, is an Internist and Pediatrician living in Lincoln, Maine. She received her undergraduate degree from Fordham University, her doctorate in medicine from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, and completed her internship and residency in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at St. Louis University Hospitals and Cardinal Glennon Memorial Hospital for Children. Dr. Szantyr came to Maine in 1987 in service of a National Health Service Corps commitment.  She enjoyed a rich and varied clinical practice that spanned all ages and complexity of medical conditions. 

Dr. Szantyr has lectured on Lyme disease and related tick-borne disorders throughout Maine and nationally to both professional and community groups for more than two decades.  She is an active member of Maine CDC’s Vector Borne Disease Work Group as well as the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society. Dr. Szantyr participated on the 2022 Federal Tick-Borne Disease Working Group Access to Care and Education Subcommittee. Currently, Dr. Szantyr serves on the Education Committee for VectorWise CME, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing clinical knowledge of vector-borne disease via free, fully accredited, on-line, evidence-based courses for frontline clinicians.