We need more accurate information out there. We need better testing and we need the Lyme Borreliosis Sub-Committee to actually meet and get some work done. Its not enough for the Minister to have set the Sub-Committee up they need to actually meet and, in consultations with patients, develop a work plan. Too much of what we have is already hit and miss and not reflective of best practice. For example why does the HPSC website list the bullseye rash as the first symptom? Not everyone gets the rash. Focusing on the rash undermines efforts at awareness raising. Why did the Minister not acknowledge the weaknesses of the current testing in Ireland? Even its manufacturer says it shouldn't be relied on for accurate diagnosis. There are better testing methods out there. Testing that can save time and money and human suffering. Why aren't we using them? Why is there no political urgency around this disease?
Kerry Lawless
Posted on 5 May 2017 6:34 pm
We need more accurate information out there. We need better testing and we need the Lyme Borreliosis Sub-Committee to actually meet and get some work done. Its not enough for the Minister to have set the Sub-Committee up they need to actually meet and, in consultations with patients, develop a work plan. Too much of what we have is already hit and miss and not reflective of best practice. For example why does the HPSC website list the bullseye rash as the first symptom? Not everyone gets the rash. Focusing on the rash undermines efforts at awareness raising. Why did the Minister not acknowledge the weaknesses of the current testing in Ireland? Even its manufacturer says it shouldn't be relied on for accurate diagnosis. There are better testing methods out there. Testing that can save time and money and human suffering. Why aren't we using them? Why is there no political urgency around this disease?