Ms Annette Moloney:

In regard to the other possible cases of Lyme disease, Dr. Healy has indicated clearly the possibility on the European level. We might only pick up on one out of every ten cases, but hopefully we are a bit better now and are picking up on one out of every four. Some time ago I came to think that there are probably four different types of patients in Ireland connected to this area. We have the Lyme disease patients who tested positive and who were, perhaps, able to access treatment, although that treatment could be varied and limited. There are those of us who tested negative and who decided to pursue another option and to get an international diagnosis. In my case, it was clear, as, luckily, I had found the tick bite and pursued another course of research. There are also patients who tested negative and who did not get a second opinion. They probably believed the ELISA test or the Western Blot test and think they are clear of Lyme disease. There are also probably patients who have never been tested for this at all and who have no idea that their possible condition could be caused by it.

On the option of second opinions and whether there is a facility to work with existing hospitals on this issue, unfortunately, patient experience is that this is not a good option. We know of one patient who was told by an infectious disease consultant, despite the availability of hi-tech diagnostic information from Germany and with seven cases backing up the evidence, that he could try and seek a second opinion on it but that there were four or five people working in this area in Ireland and they were all agreed on it.