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Smith Pushes Bill to Fight Lyme Disease |
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Noting the record number of Lyme disease cases reported in Smith’s bill would improve tests used to diagnose Lyme disease, enhance the public health surveillance systems and improve our public education campaign to prevent new cases of Lyme disease. It also would create a federal task force on Lyme disease. Last year, the number of reported cases of Lyme disease climbed to a record high of 3,372 in “The record number of cases reported should serve as a wake-up call to all of us that Lyme disease remains a serious problem,” said Smith. “My bill would greatly enhance our ability to treat this debilitating disease, and I will continue to vigorously work to ensure its passage.” Symptoms of the disease may include fever, headache, fatigue, and sometimes a rash, which may be an expanding bull’s eye shape. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment may keep Lyme patients from developing chronic symptoms. , The disease can spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system – potentially causing meningitis or debilitating long-term problems. “Unfortunately, existing testing for Lyme disease is not accurate and misses many cases. You can test negative and still have Lyme,” said Pat Smith, President of the national Lyme Disease Association. “These patients often go on to develop chronic disease which may manifest in cardiac abnormalities, cognitive problems, depression, muscle and joint pain, and even blindness.” “Our children are at some of the highest risk for the disease,” she continued, “with a study from Columbia University showing up to a 22 point drop in IQ, reversed with treatment, and with a CDC study of school children with Lyme disease in New Jersey showing the mean days missed because the patient was too ill to attend at 103.”
For additional information on Lyme disease and Rep. Smith’s bill, please visit www.LymeDiseaseAssociation.org | ||
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For Immediate Release: May 8, 2006 Contact: Brad Dayspring (202) 225-3765 |
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