Dont Tickle Me

12/12/14
Andrea ScottBeatrice OyombePatricia MoranJake BracherJennifer NguyenYarigza Barron

Introduction
In humans, ticks can cause severe toxic conditions such as paralyses and toxicoses, irritation and
allergy, and their ability to transmit a great variety of infectious diseases is a major public health
concern (Estada-Pea 1999).
Ornithodoros coriaceus is a tick located in areas of California. This tick does not attach to
moving hosts but lies in wait for animal or man, crawling to its host, biting, feeding, and then
dropping back to the ground. It is up to one-half inch long and very difficult to see even to the
experienced observer because of its similarity in color and size to bits of soil and has been found
to vector a new virus known as Ticklemevirus (Failing et al. 2014). The disease is very deadly
and difficult to handle; its reduction must be initiated with the detection and removal of adult
ticks from the body and environment. Treating the disease once contracted has not been efficient,
so the reduction of infection will be the most competent way to prevent death until the labs can
create a cure.

Control Methods
Various procedures will be utilized for the control of Ticklemevirus. Most of the methods will
entail prevention, which targets the stage of the disease prior to the infection of the human host.
The means to control the disease include sending prevention notices to the community,
presenting public service announcements to the entire state of California, reinforcing guidelines
in tourist areas, hosting dog tick checks for the community, using approved pesticides, and
eventually developing a vaccine.
Prevention notices will be sent to the residences of California but primarily to the residences of
Shasta County. Within these letters information about prevention techniques and educational
meetings will be provided. Public service announcements would also be presented to the
community. These would reinforce the gravity of the disease and also expose the common ways
to reduce the bite of a tick.
Stricter adjustments to the rules found within tourist locations may also decrease the amount of
tick bites and infection of Ticklemevirus. These will attempt to attack the exposure of tick bites
of the people that visit Shastas national and state parks. Another important method of control
involved the inspection of ticks in pets, especially dogs. Eliminating ticks from pets can
extremely decrease the exposure of a person to a tick and to the disease.
Pesticides will be another important tool utilized to decrease the risk of attaining the disease.
Pesticides such as DEET can be used to eliminate Ornithodoros coriaceus ticks, the vectors of
Ticklemevirus. The final method of control will be a vaccine. This vaccine will be developed in
several years but once it is complete it will be the most significant form of prevention.

Implementation
Prevention Notices
The prevention notices
(Figure 1) will be sent to
every household of
Shasta County and also
distributed to businesses.
These notices will state
the urgency and
significance of
Ticklemevirus. They
will encompass
information to prevent
infection and will also
announce that town
meetings will be held
once a month to inform
the residents of the
disease. In the meetings,
individuals will learn
many ways to combat
ticks. They will learn
that to reduce ticks
found around homes,
leaf litter should be
removed, grass should
be kept short and
trimmed, wood should
be stacked neatly to
prevent rodents that
attract ticks, and old
furniture or waste that
ticks could hide out in
should also be discarded
Figure 1
(Managing Ticks 2014).
They will also be
informed that acaricides
can be applied to prevent
ticks in yards. Traps using sticky paper and dry ice are a proficient way to trap adults that can
spread Ticklemevirus.
These notifications and informational meetings will be the initial procedure to expose the
residents of California to the status of the disease. The limitation of this method is that numerous

individuals may disregard the message in the notice, will hesitate to attend the meetings, or may
not even read the notice. The only approach to overcome this issue is by continuing to expose the
public to the information of this disease. This can be done by implementing various techniques
that were previously listed such as public service announcements.
Public Service Announcements (PSAs)
Television, radio, newspapers, fliers, billboards, and the internet will be mediums utilized to
display the public service announcements. These announcements will be consisted of updates of
Ticklemevirus, facts, and/or methods of prevention given chiefly to the Californian community.
Within television, the PSAs would be emphasized by showing them throughout the day but
especially during prime time. They would also be constantly repeated throughout the day in
popular radio stations of the area and would also be displayed in billboards throughout highways
of the state of California. Fliers and posters should be found in various public buildings; ranging
from hospitals to schools, and even in private sectors (with the permission of the proprietor). The
internet will also be an ideal place to reach a broader audience by allowing the use of both
images and videos.

Tourism: Stricter Rules

The Ornithodoros coriaceus tick regarless of the stage (larvae, nymphs, and adults) hides most
of their life off the host in wooded areas under trees, inside of deer beds, and near large rocks
(Teglas et al. 2006).These conditions are easily found in Shasta County. This is why it is
important for tourist locations such as national and state parks to implement a dress code,
prevention procedures, and accede to the temporarily banning of dogs and pets as they can be
possible reservoirs of Ticklemevirus.
The usage of protective clothing such as long sleeves, long pants, and products containing
permethrin should be used in the dress code. These applications aid in the reduction of tick
attachment. Also, people should be informed that it highly recommended to use repellent prior to
entering the wooded areas. Other important notices include that to kill any ticks that stow away
in clothing; clothes should be tumbled in a dryer for one hour on high heat after going outside. It
is also essential to shower two hours after going to wooded areas and to do a thorough body
check for any ticks that may have latched on. Parents should also do checks on children to ensure
there are not any ticks present.
The possible issues of this procedure are that many local business and even the tourist locations
can be economically affected. The knowledge of Ticklemevirus and the implementation of
harsher rules might drive away visitors thus negatively impacting the local economy. The only
way to overcome these concerns is to make everyone aware of the mortality of this disease and
the importance of preventing a tick bite. This can be done by the concurrent and ongoing
exposure of PSAs and prevention notices.
Dog Checks

Most pet owners will perform routine examinations of his/her pets fur, namely dogs, to check
for the presence of ticks. These examinations are in addition to the inspections that would take
place at a veterinarian's office for regular check-ups. Now with the presence of Ticklemevirus,
however, it is important that dog owners carefully check for ticks in dogs fur to prevent the
spread of the disease as many Canis species have come down with the virus and, since obtaining,
have died.
Figure 2
Due to the threat posed to
domestic dogs, which is
an even greater threat
after being in parks and
other places with many
trees and brush, including
hiking trails, there should
be free opportunities for
dog owners to have dogs
inspected by
veterinarians. Veterinary
clinics throughout Shasta
County, Lassen County,
and Sonoma County will
be working together with
CDC officials and the
California Department of
Public Health to provide
examinations for dogs.
Preventing the spread to
animals in the home is an
important step, because
this can help decrease the
number of humans the
virus can reach. Dogs,
and related species, are a
suitable reservoir for
Ticklemevirus. If the
virus is not spread to
more reservoirs, fewer
ticks will be able to
obtain and vector the
virusstopping the
spread of the disease.
Examinations will be
held at various dog parks and city parks within Shasta, Lassen and Sonoma Counties once a
month. This procedure is routine for dog owners, but the free opportunity ensures that the correct
steps are taken and the dog is meticulously checked. Veterinarians will examine every dog
brought to the park and remove any ticks that are found. All dogs that come will leave tick free.

Flyers (Figure 2) will be posted at all veterinary clinics, animal necessity stores, and in
newspapers. Additionally, this will be advertised on the radio.
A tick can be overlooked and that is the main reason the CDC, California Department of Public
Health, and veterinarians want to provide the residents of northern California with this
opportunity. Even though this is a very useful opportunity, there will still be individuals that
neglect this opportunity. If this ensues, it could be useful to make these checkups obligatory
when the animal visits a veterinary or when a dog initially arrives at an animal shelter.

Pesticide
To initiate this control
method, letters to the
residences (Figure 3a)
will be sent. This letter
will explain the
necessity of the usage
of a pesticide and
inform the individuals
what the pesticides are
(Figures 3b and 3c).
This notice will ensure
to the people that the
pesticide is safe when
used appropriately.
Some of the pesticides
discussed will be
DEET, Sevin, Kicker,
and Pyrenone.
DEET does not present
a health concern to the
general population as
long as it is properly
used. There has been
some allergic, toxic,
and neurological
reactions to DEET but
usually occur in rarely.
Sevin contains carbonyl
which is easily broken
down and excreted in
animals. It also does not
appear to cause
reproductive, birth,
mutagnic, or

Figure 3a

carcinogenic effects under normal circumstances of the animal. Kicker and Pyrenone both
contain pyrenthrin. Pyrethrins have a miniature residual effect due to the fact that they are
quickly broken down by exposure to light, moisture, and air. The pesticides, Kicker and
Pyrenone, are also known as knock-down agents that temporarily paralyze insects/ticks. They
must be jointed with insecticidal soaps to enhance effectiveness of product.
There are foreseen issues with the usage of pesticides. The residents of Shasta County and its
surrounding areas might believe the pesticides are negative to their health, regardless of the
information that has been provided. They might also entirely disregard the notices distributed by
the California Department of Public Health. The ways to solve these issues are by including the
information of pesticides in the PSAs. This could give residents more exposure to the
information. If there are still people demanding the ceasing of these chemicals, we must still
proceed with its usage. The most important action is to stop the disease even if there are people
that are against these actions. It is for the overall benefit of the residents.
Figure 3b

Figure 3c

Vaccine
While the creation of a new vaccine can take up to 15 years, the research and development for
the vaccine for Ticklemevirus is in the earliest stages. The research and identification of an
antigen which could prevent and cure the disease may take from two to four years. The team of

scientists working on the vaccine is determined and working as fast as they can so that everyone
can enjoy being outside without fear of contracting a new disease. Once the antigen is identified
there will be many steps that follow. The vaccine will be examined on animals to test the
immunogenicity as well as the safety. After the FDA approves the vaccine application, clinical
trials will be conducted on humans. Initially the groups of humans tested will range from 20-80
patients but will eventually reach thousands of people. The safety, the immune response, the
extent of the immune response and the efficacy will all be tested and assessed. After testing, the
FDA will approve the vaccine and production will begin. The vaccine will be effective on
humans and Canis species. The goal of the CDCs team against Ticklemevirus is to have the
vaccine approved and in effect by 2027.
Timeline
The previously mentioned control methods will intertwine in their implementation. The
prevention notices will be the initial step of the control management. The bulk of this step will
occur immediately and will last for a couple of months until the majority of the community is
aware of Ticklemevirus. The next control devices that would be executed are public services
announcements and the enforcement of strict rules in tourist locations. These will be ongoing and
would also occur at the same period that the dog tick checks ensue. Pesticide will then be used to
eliminate the ticks that vector Ticklemevirus. As these methods progress, the development of a
vaccine will continue. There is an estimate of 10-15 years to attain complete control of the
disease with the usage of a vaccine; regardless, there is also an estimate of no major outbreaks
within one year if the control methods are flawlessly executed. The usage of pesticide should still
be used even if there are individuals against it and PSAs should not be ceased.
It is also important to indicate that if there is a case in any other state of the United States, it is
recommended that the control methods mentioned should also be implemented.

Expected Outcomes
When the prevention notices are sent, it is expected to alert the residences of California about the
association of Ticklemevirus to ticks. It will also notify the community about partaking in
disease informational meetings. Eventually, these meetings should increase the awareness of the
people of California and influence them to take the necessary precautions to avoid the
contraction of Ticklemevirus. The public service announcements optimistically will inform a
larger audience, ranging from children to elders. These will grasp the attention of the residents
and will also enable awareness.
The implementation of rules such as strictly following a dress code and temporarily banning
dogs will eventually lead to a safer touristic environment by diminishing the possibilities of a
tick bite. It will also increase the awareness amongst tourists and reinforce the importance and
urgency of the disease. The dog checks for ticks could also saves many lives of humans and pets.
By removing ticks from a pet, this could extensively decrease the likelihood of an infected tick
from biting their owners and another pet.
The use of pesticides in the northern regions of California will eventually decrease the numbers
of Ornithodoros coriaceus, which vectors the disease. By diminishing the numbers of its vector,

Ticklemevirus will not easily have the means to infect a human. Finally, when a vaccine is
created, the causative agent will be directly attacked. This will guarantee the complete control of
the disease.
If the vaccine is disregarded and the control methods are properly implemented, the estimate
time to critically reduce the prevalence of the infection of Ticklemevirus is approximately one
year. Then when the vaccine is included in the control management plan, a span of 10-15 years
will occur until the definitive control of the disease occurs. That amount of time is required due
to the critical development of a vaccine that is considered safe for human treatment.
The greatest problems of this control plan could arise as results of the communitys response or
lack of response to the procedures implemented. The people could not respond to the methods
because they might neglect the prevention notices and PSAs. They might deem pesticides as
questionable substances and neglect the information provided. Some individuals might avoid or
forget to follow the dress code recommended for proper protection. Pet owners might not take
advantage of dog checks because of the process being time consuming and/or inconvenient for
them. Others might even forget or not take into consideration this option. Finally, a vast majority
of individuals might argue that the regulations implemented are negatively affecting their
economy and even their lives.
The solution for these issues is to simply make the disease popular and to impose education.
Ticklemevirus should be known by every individual, if possible. Continuous PSAs in all of the
mediums possible will be presented and by continuously projecting this information, people will
begin to realize the differences among assumptions and facts. Eventually, these announcements
and educational proceedings will not be necessary. The only aspect that will be expected from
the people is for them to continue the implementation of wearing protective attire. Once a
vaccine is developed, the national and state parks of northern California should require proof of
having the vaccine. To make this process more rapid for the security guards and visitors, there
should be a general database that holds the records of all of the individuals that have provided
the proof of this vaccine.
In case there is a relapse, all parks should be closed in Shasta County and its surrounding areas.
There should also be a national announcement stating that tourists should not visit this area until
further notice. Regulations previously listed should be reinforced and additional restrictions
should be added. Some examples include: no recess allowed for school children and no animals
in buildings (only service animals after check) regardless of past exceptions.

Conclusion
The Ticklemevirus is serious and mortal virus that is spread via tick bites. Tick bites occur
because adults feed to repletion, typically within an hour, to mate. Adult females seek refuge
beneath leaf litter to deposit eggs. These eggs hatch and the resulting larvae attach to an
appropriate vertebrate host in response to heat and carbon dioxide (Teglas et al. 2005).
In order to reduce and control the expansion of Ticklemevirus, measures must be taken to reduce
the amount of exposure to Ornithodoros coriaceus bite. The methods of control for the disease
are encompassed of distributing prevention notices to the residences, displaying public service

announcements, enforcing strict rules in tourist zones, accommodating residences with tick
checks for their pets, utilizing approved pesticides, and finally generating a vaccine.

References
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