It is good to see that Lyme disease has now become a notifiable illness since this debate took place - however this records only stage 3 neuroborreliosis cases with positive 2 tier test or positive culture - those who have a rash & treated early will not be recorded, those who falsely test negative but still carry the disease will not be recorded, those who are diagnosed &/or treated abroad will not be recorded. The documented numbers are therefore very low.
The leaflets produced by the HPSC/vector-borne sub committee have not been printed or distributed in the last 3-4 years so the public are still largely unaware (Tick Talk Ireland have been able to produce leaflets of their own plus a children's book but we feel that more needs to be done on a national level). We hope that public awareness notices can at least be placed in national park areas to encourage walkers, dog owners & family members to check themselves & each other after walking, playing, camping or fishing. Farmers & park rangers should also be made aware by carrying cards similar to the health cards carried for Weil's Disease maybe?
Jennifer O'Dea
Posted on 3 Dec 2013 2:22 pm
It is good to see that Lyme disease has now become a notifiable illness since this debate took place - however this records only stage 3 neuroborreliosis cases with positive 2 tier test or positive culture - those who have a rash & treated early will not be recorded, those who falsely test negative but still carry the disease will not be recorded, those who are diagnosed &/or treated abroad will not be recorded. The documented numbers are therefore very low.
The leaflets produced by the HPSC/vector-borne sub committee have not been printed or distributed in the last 3-4 years so the public are still largely unaware (Tick Talk Ireland have been able to produce leaflets of their own plus a children's book but we feel that more needs to be done on a national level). We hope that public awareness notices can at least be placed in national park areas to encourage walkers, dog owners & family members to check themselves & each other after walking, playing, camping or fishing. Farmers & park rangers should also be made aware by carrying cards similar to the health cards carried for Weil's Disease maybe?