James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this Topical Issue as it provides me with an opportunity to update the House on the matter.

Lyme disease, also known as Lyme borelliosis, is an infection caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted to humans by bites from ticks infected with the bacteria. Lyme borelliosis was made statutorily notifiable in Ireland by the Infectious Diseases (Amendment Regulations) Regulations 2011.

Three cases of Lyme borelliosis have been notified up to 25 January 2014. There were 20 cases of Lyme borelliosis notified in 2013 and eight cases notified in 2012, the first year in which notification was compulsory. However, due to the diverse and unspecific nature of the symptoms a number of the less serious cases may not be diagnosed, leading to an under-reporting of cases. Recent estimates suggest that there may be up to 50 to 100 cases in Ireland per year. The increase in reported cases since 2012 is likely to reflect the fact that Lyme disease is now a notifiable disease and there is increased public awareness of the condition, rather than an increase in incidence of the disease. I agree with the Deputy that the purpose of this debate is to make people aware of this. Often, as the initial infection might not manifest itself strongly and there is a time delay, people might forget that they were bitten by a tick by the time they present to their doctor with various symptoms.

The infection is generally mild affecting only the skin, but can occasionally be more severe and highly debilitating. Many infected people have no symptoms at all. The most common noticeable evidence of infection is a rash called erythema migrans, commonly called a bulls-eye rash. That is seen in 80% to 90% of patients. People can also complain of influenza-like symptoms such as headache, sore throat, neck stiffness, fever, muscle aches and general fatigue. One can see how it would be very easy to miss the cause of such symptoms if one forgets to tell one's doctor that one was bitten by a tick. Occasionally, there may be more serious symptoms involving the nervous system, joints, the heart or other tissues.

Common antibiotics such as doxycycline or amoxicillin are effective at clearing the rash and helping to prevent the development of complications. They are generally given for up to three weeks. If complications develop, intravenous antibiotics might have to be used.

Both the health protection surveillance centre, HPSC, and Tick Talk Ireland provide guidance on protection against contracting Lyme disease. The best protection is to prevent tick bites when walking in grassy, bushy or woodland areas, particularly between May and October. Arms and legs should be covered - wearing long trousers tucked into socks or boots and long-sleeved shirts with cuffs fastened is advised. Shoes or boots should be worn rather than open-toed sandals. The use of insect repellent on clothes is recommended or on limbs if it is not practicable to cover up. Skin and clothing should be inspected for ticks every three to four hours and children's skin and clothes checked frequently. Ticks should be removed as soon as they are seen. Further advice on tick removal can be obtained from the HPSC website. However, the Deputy has given us an in-depth description of what to do.

It is not recommended that antibiotics are given to prevent the transmission of Lyme disease following a tick bite. People should see their doctors if they develop a rash or become unwell with other symptoms, letting the doctor know of exposure to ticks. Further advice can be obtained from the HPSC website and the HPSC has produced a leaflet, "Protecting Yourself Against Tick Bites and Lyme Disease", which is available online to download.

I again thank the Deputy for raising this important issue.

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