What portal of entry should a field sanitarian protect to avoid contracting Lyme disease?

To effectively protect against Lyme disease, the primary portal of entry to consider is through the skin. Lyme disease is transmitted primarily through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis), commonly known as deer ticks. When these ticks attach to the skin to feed on blood, they can introduce the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease.

Preventive measures for field sanitarians typically focus on minimizing skin exposure to tick bites, such as wearing long-sleeved clothing, using insect repellent that contains DEET, and performing thorough tick checks after spending time in areas where ticks are prevalent. By understanding that the skin acts as the portal of entry for the pathogens carried by ticks, sanitarians can implement appropriate protective strategies in their work to prevent infection.

The other portals of entry like airways, mucous membranes, and the digestive system are not relevant in the context of Lyme disease transmission, as this disease is not spread through inhalation, ingestion, or direct contact through those surfaces. This distinction reinforces why focusing on skin protection is essential for preventing Lyme disease.