Push for more funds to battle Lyme disease September 16, 2006
Many of us are familiar with Lyme disease, but it is less commonly known that the disease, which is contracted by the bite from a bacteria- infected tick, can have serious consequences.
Infection with Lyme disease bacteria can lead to early symptoms such as severe headaches, debilitating fatigue, joint pain and skin rashes, while long-term symptoms can lead to problems related to the central nervous system including the brain, heart, joints and other musculo-skeletal problems.
The cost to society for Lyme disease is more than $2 billion annually. New York reported 28 percent the cases nationwide from 1994 to 2003 and must do something about this.
The good news is that The Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act of 2005 in the Senate and a companion bill in the House are up for consideration in Congress. These bills authorize an additional $20 million a year for the next five years.
Call your U.S. House members and urge them to co- sponsor bill HR 3427. Visit www.congress.org to find out who your representative is and call the main switchboard at 202/ 224-3121.
Suzanne Maschmeyer Corning NEW YORK newspaper
Suzanne wrote an excellent letter here and showing the DC phone no. as well! Bettyg Posted by on :
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