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Congress Members Push for a National Lyme Disease Strategy

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 16:28:21 EST

Legislators have authored a bill seeking to create a national public health strategy to contend with Lyme disease, which infects tens of thousands of Americans every year, reports the Wall Street Journal.
 
The proposed legislation, which intends to accelerate breakthroughs in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Lyme disease, would establish an advisory committee made up of researchers, patient advocates and agencies.
 
Cases of Lyme disease have increased across the country in recent years. While improved diagnosis and reporting could account for some of the increase, many scientists still believe that the true number of cases is likely greater as suburban sprawl has moved into previously undeveloped areas.
 
Left untreated, Lyme disease can result in chronic joint inflammation, neurological symptoms (such as facial palsy and neuropathy), cognitive defects (such as impaired memory), and heart rhythm irregularities, according to the Mayo Clinic.
 
Ticks are the dominant carrier for Lyme-causing bacteria. When bitten, people should seek a DNA test to see whether the tick carries the bacteria. The rapid and affordable DNA test on ticks offered by EMSL Analytical is derived from publications by the scientific community.
 
'Because Lyme disease is so serious and requires immediate treatment, the accuracy and speed of the DNA testing is critical,' states Charles Li, Ph.D., Director of PCR and DNA Analysis at EMSL Analytical, Inc. 'EMSL offers rapid turn-around times for clients to receive their results.'