NATION MUST ADRESS LYME PROBLEM,,NEWS ARTICLE
- From: "THEHICKWITHLYME" <foxfire12@xxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 15 Jul 2005 09:35:13 -0400
Nation must address Lyme
As Congress hashes out two competing Lyme disease bills, the best of both of
them should be culled, excesses discarded and one specific proposal
presented for passage.
U.S. Reps. Sue Kelly, R-Katonah, and Christopher Smith, R-N.J., have each
introduced bills. Kelly's bill seeks $50 million, Smith's $100 million, each
over five years. Rather than focus only on the finances, the details of a
final bill need attention and then the necessary allocation can be
determined.
The experiences in Dutchess County, which has some of the worst infection
rates in the country, should be considered when the final bill is drafted.
Dutchess has implemented a cutting-edge education program and has
aggressively addressed this problem, which is new to other regions in the
country.
Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium carried by black-legged ticks. The
disease can cause joint pain, fever and fatigue, leading to more serious
complications if not treated properly.
A primary focus of any federal bill must be on developing an effective
diagnostic test for Lyme. Treatment is more effective the earlier it is
administered, so an accurate test, and follow-up treatment, should reduce
the cases of long-term Lyme disease. Both bills address this. In addition,
some specifics in Smith's bill deserve attention and should be part of the
bill that's ultimately passed.
Our nation needs an accurate count of how many people have this debilitating
disease. Smith's proposal would evaluate mandatory reporting requirement by
labs that test for Lyme. It would also add a tier to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention's reporting structure. Currently, people must have a
rash or positive lab results to be part of the nationwide count. Yet some
people who have the disease but don't fit that specific criteria and
therefore remain uncounted. Lyme affects people in a variety of ways and
ailments can take years to manifest themselves. In mild cases, symptoms may
reflect a common cold. In severe cases, muscular degeneration and even death
can occur.
Only 10% of cases reported
The CDC estimates only 10 percent of cases are reported annually, meaning up
to 240,000 people are affected each year, rather than 24,000. Obtaining an
accurate portrayal of the disease is imperative. Understanding the extent of
the illness will allow government to develop a more effective program to
address it. Dutchess is well aware of the problem.
There are many different approaches to treating this disease and Smith's
bill that requires a committee to oversee this nationwide effort include a
broad spectrum of viewpoints, a criteria not included in other legislation.
It also includes $500,000 for a study of chronic Lyme disease and to make
recommendations on treatment programs for this illness. Other states are not
as advanced as New York. This year, the state's Office of Professional
Medical Conduct announced it would not prosecute physicians who treat the
disease with long-term antibiotics. Insurance carriers had attempted to
intimidate doctors from pursuing this expensive treatment by lodging
complaints against them. The action by the professional organization defies
insurance company concerns, but protects patients and doctors. Other states
should implement similar programs.
It's essential, as people discover the challenges and pain of both acute and
chronic Lyme, that the government leaders work together to proactively
address this issue for all Americans.
.
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