Acarológica Inquiry Carried Through in Ribeirão Pires front the Infestation of Amblyomma Ticks

Abstract

 In 2005, acarus surveillance in the city of Ribeirão Pires, within the region of Greater São Paulo, was    strengthened, due to numerous requests of the population, deeply concerned with the increased number of ticks    and the risk to acquire spotted fever. Acarus investigations, performed by the local Center for Zoonosis Control,    included both areas which were infested by vectors of the disease, Amblyomma cajennense and Ambyomma    aureolatum, and areas registering human suspected cases of spotted fever. It was possible to observe that the    highest infestation in households was associated to the presence of primary hosts, equines and dogs, and that    both species of ticks of the Amblyomma gender occur practically in the same ratio. The best protective measure    for this disease is to avoid human exposure to the tick which is responsible for the transmission, in bush areas    and other sites in which infestation may occur. Household keeping of pets, periodically treated with insecticides is    important as a measure to control the disease. Information and awareness of the population regarding the    severity of the disease is crucial, since the success of preventive and controlling actions can only be achieved with the full engagement of the community and the public agencies, working in partnership.