Burke A. Cunha, MD, Vice Chairman, Department of Medicine/Chief, Division of Infectious Disease at Winthrop, (L) donated a recently published 293-page book, which he edited, “Tickborne Infectious Diseases,” to Winthrop’s Hollis Health Sciences Library. Graciously accepting the new textbook is Virginia Cook, MLS, Director of Winthrop’s Library (R).

Symptoms. With the exception of Lyme disease, Long Island’s tickborne infections all begin abruptly, with fever and headache. Patients with RMSF may also experience a rash. Ehrlichiosis resembles RMSF without a rash, and has been called “spotless RMSF.” Those who have contracted tularemia may have enlarged lymph nodes. RMSF, tularemia, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis are all characterized by muscle aches and pains. Patients with babesiosis may develop a malaise-like illness.

A consultation with an Infectious Disease specialist may be necessary in order to diagnose and treat the disease correctly. Sometimes these infections do not respond to many of the commonly prescribed antibiotics. The Infectious Disease Division at Winthrop is experienced in treating tickborne infectious diseases, and its clinical staff members have published several articles on these infections.

Recently, Burke A. Cunha, MD, Chief, Infectious Disease Division, edited a book, “Tickborne Infectious Diseases,” published by Marcel Dekker. Tickborne infectious disease experts from across the United States and throughout Europe contributed chapters to the book. Dr. Cunha wrote the chapters on tularemia and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

“Physicians have a need for a comprehensive reference textbook on tickborne infectious diseases,” Dr. Cunha concluded. “This is the only book published on this subject to date.”

Physicians who are encountering undiagnosed and unexplained fevers are urged to consult Winthrop’s Infectious Disease Division for expert consultation. Patients referred by primary care physicians may call for an appointment at Winthrop’s Center for Infectious Diseases at (516) 663-2507.

The Honorable John P. Colbert, Mayor of the Village of Mineola, (R) smiles as Trustee Maryanne Warnecke, RN, (L) administers a flu vaccination at Winthrop’s annual senior citizen flu/pneumonia immunization program at the Mineola Community Center. Mayor Colbert joined more than 1,500 seniors who participated in Winthrop’s immunization program, which was also offered at the Hospital’s Community Outreach Center and the Garden City Senior Recreation Center. Working collaboratively with the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs, Nassau University Medical Center, and the Village of Mineola, Winthrop nurses volunteered their time and energy to participate in this highly beneficial community health/wellness program.