Dan Neville (Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the office of the Ceann Comhairle for facilitating me in raising this matter and the Minister for Health for responding.

Lyme disease, known as borreliosis, is a bacterial infection transmitted by the bite of hard-bodied ticks. Not all ticks are infected but vigilance is recommended where ticks are present to reduce the risk of transmission to humans and pets. Lyme disease can cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Known as the great imitator, Lyme disease can mimic other diseases such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and chronic fatigue syndrome. Early treatment is vital so as to prevent serious consequences.

There are three stages to the development of the disease. Within days to weeks of a bite from an infected tick, an expanding rash may occur. This is the first stage. Sometimes the rash will appear as multiple concentric rings forming a bull's eye. It is important to note that the rash may not develop or be noticed in some patients. A flu-like illness may also occur in the early stages of the disease.

Stage two, otherwise known as disseminated disease, has symptoms that may include migratory joint pain, head and neck pain, sore throat, swollen glands, Bell's palsy and severe fatigue. Cardiac problems may occur also, in addition to bladder irritation in the form of interstitial cystitis. Some patients may miss stage one of the illness and develop disseminated disease within months to years of the initial bite.

The stage-three symptoms for late stage Lyme disease may include neurological changes such as tingling, numbness and tremors.

Nerve pain, poor temperature control, brain fog and disturbed sleep patterns are common. Complications may include optic neuritis, depression, panic attacks, muscle weakness, tissue damage, meningitis and chronic arthritis. Lyme disease was named after the town of Lyme in Connecticut. Studies by the University of Bath, however, have identified that Lyme disease has been present since the ice age in Europe.

The length of treatment with antibiotics depends on the severity and stage of the disease and existing co-infections. Intravenous antibiotics may be required for treatment of late stage, disseminated disease.

What does one do if one is bitten by a tick? The ticks embed themselves into the skin for feeding. They use cement-like material in their saliva to latch on. It is important when removing the tick not to leave the mouth parts behind as this could cause a secondary infection. It should be removed gently with a tick twister or fine tipped tweezers, ensuring one pulls upwards very close to the skin. One should wipe the area clean with an antiseptic wipe. One should not smother, burn or squash the tick as it may regurgitate its stomach contents if placed under stress, which could increase the chance of infection. Place the tick safely in a sealed plastic bag and write the date it was removed.

There is debate among some medical people about the disease. Some people cast doubt on whether there is such a disease, but the medical profession in general has now accepted that it is a disease that requires treatment. I welcome the opportunity to raise awareness of Lyme disease. One of the most important things we must do is raise awareness of how it occurs and of the treatment for it.

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