Schumer addresses Lyme disease

mark_denton2006@yahoo.com · medicine forum addict Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 67

Schumer addresses Lyme disease

Capitol News 9
By: Staff
Updated: 7/17/2006 3:45:43 PM

Upstate New York is in for one of the worst tick seasons in history.
And with the higher risk of Lyme disease, one state official is calling
for more federal help when it comes to an aggressive new strain of
tick.

Senator Charles Schumer was in Albany and suburban Syracuse Monday to
talk about the issue. He said the "Lone Star Tick" is spreading rapidly
and could hit the Capital Region.

Senator Schumer released new statistics that show there have already
been 994 Lyme investigations in Upstate New York this year. That's up
30 percent from 2005.

Schumer is pushing for immediate passage of the "Lyme and Tick-Borne
Disease Prevention, Education and Research Act."

"The new legislation would authorize $100 million over five years for
federal prevention, treatment and research of Lyme disease and other
tick-borne diseases, including developing an accurate test," Schumer
said.

So far there is no reliable blood test that will properly diagnose Lyme
disease.

Experts say there are steps you can take to prevent Lyme disease.

Use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants when in the woods.

Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with
antibiotics. But in advanced cases, the infection can spread to the
heart, joints and the nervous system. If you do become infected,
getting early treatment is vital.

Some symptoms to look for:
A bulls-eye shaped rash on the skin
Fever, fatigue and headaches

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