IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

More Effective Prevention of Lyme Disease in Workers through Spatial Modelling

Abstract

Many workers, especially farmers, forestry and construction workers, and even those working in processing plants that source wood from areas where the Lyme disease-carrying tick is found, are at risk of contracting this zoonosis.

The spatial distribution of Ixodes scapularis (commonly known as the deer tick or black-legged tick) is increasing in Québec. The presence of tick populations has been confirmed in various regions of the province, including the Estrie, the Mauricie and the Monterégie. Better knowledge of the areas with environmental conditions favourable to the proliferation of the tick and the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leocopus), a rodent that constitutes a reservoir for this pathogen, would make it possible to take preventive measures against the spread of the disease among workers.

The objective of this research is to better assess workers’ exposure to the vector of Lyme disease by understanding the spatial dynamics of the disease and predicting the areas where there is a risk of transmission, through spatial modelling and remote sensing. The findings will serve as a decision-making tool for OHS stakeholders and should enable interventions and prevention campaigns for workers to be better planned.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 2019-0001
Status: Ongoing
Team:
  • Bilel Chalghaf (Centre d'enseignement et de recherche en foresterie de Sainte-Foy inc.)
  • Gilles Joanisse (Centre d'enseignement et de recherche en foresterie de Sainte-Foy inc.)
  • Virginie Millien (Université McGill)