Free Public Course – Understanding Tick-Borne Illness Offered at RRMC

RUTLAND, VT – On Monday, May 11, from 2-3:30pm, Rutland Regional Medical Center is offering a free public course, “Don’t Get Ticked Off – Understanding Tick-Borne Illness” in the hospital’s CVPS/Leahy Community Health Education Center.

The 90-minute seminar will provide a guide on ways individuals can protect themselves and their family from Vermont’s most common tick-borne diseases. Whether one works outdoors, enjoys the trails, or simply spends time in the backyard, chances increase for a tick encounter. This seminar will teach ways to keep safe from ticks and therefore tick-borne illnesses.

The seminar will start with the basics of tick biology, focusing on the life cycle of the black-legged tick (deer tick) and the specific times and places where ticks will most likely be encountered in our local landscape. Attendees will also learn essential safety skills, including how to prevent bites, how to properly remove a tick, and how to identify the early signs of illness.

Time will also be spent on breaking down the most common threats in our state—Lyme Disease, Anaplasmosis, and Babesiosis—exploring how they spread, which symptoms to watch for, and the latest medical standards for diagnosis and treatment.

The educational seminar will be presented by John Libby, MHS, Infection Preventionist at Rutland Regional Medical Center.

To register for this FREE event, email Education & Clinical Excellence or call 802.747.3775. Walk-ins are welcome as space permits.

Attendees may park in the gated lot located near the CVPS/Leahy Community Health Education Center. Event parking signs will be posted.