Developing an educational intervention to reduce tick-borne disease exposure among rural Black children in South Carolina.

Vector-borne diseases are more likely to be misdiagnosed among dark-colored individuals, as these diseases are mostly described in white skin, which delays treatment opportunities and increases the likelihood of severe disease or death. There is a significant racial disparity in VBD exposure, diagnosis, and management among minorities, especially those living in rural areas.Moreover, children are usually at increased risk due to their reduced awareness and high contact with animals and outdoor activities. In a previous spotted fever group Rickettsia sp. (SFG) seroprevalence study, a 3.4% human seroprevalence was identified in Black and minority individuals across the state of South Carolina. Fairfield County was identified as a hotspot for suspected SFG exposures, demanding public health attention. To address the exposure disparities in this rural county, we developed an educational intervention in Fairfield County Middle School, to increase tick-borne disease awareness, and reduce the exposure to these pathogens. The intervention was divided into two parts, 1) a needs assessment through a focus group study evaluating the teachers’ and school staff’s perceptions and needs in relation to tick-borne diseases. 2) an educational “summer health fair” for 7^th grade students and post-evaluation. This presentation brings the developed methodology and the results and highlights the successes and limitations of such intervention.