Lyme Disease Legislation Passes the General Assembly
February 21, 2013 by Tim Hugo
Richmond, VA- Yesterday on the House floor, Delegate Tim Hugo argued for stronger Lyme disease legislation that would provide patients with the critical information needed to protect them against this escalating and devastating illness.
Introduced by Delegate Barbara Comstock (R-McLean) and Co-Patroned by Delegate Hugo (R-Clifton), HB 1933 would require the Virginia Department of Health to provide information about the potential for false negative results of Lyme disease testing.
According to the National Capital Lyme Disease Association, 71 percent of patients who take the test will get a false negative. While Lyme disease is potentially crippling even when caught early, a misdiagnosis can cause victims to suffer severe and permanent damage if the illness goes untreated.
As a resident of Northern Virginia, Delegate Hugo has seen first-hand the devastating effects of Lyme disease in his community.
Hugo spoke of the tragic consequences due to this disease�s devastating effects, �I have had close friends and neighbors become permanently disabled due to Lyme disease. I know that if they had been properly diagnosed, they would lead very different lives today. It is imperative that we provide patients with the knowledge that testing for Lyme disease often produces false negatives.�
In conclusion, �Lyme disease is a dangerous and insidious disease. It affects the way we live and our ability to work. Its presence is growing at an alarming rate. I am hopeful that Governor McDonnell will sign this legislation so that other families will not needlessly suffer the consequences of a misdiagnosis.�
If you would like additional information regarding Lyme disease, please visit the Virginia Department of Health athttp://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/factsheets/Lyme.htm.
As the third ranking member in the Virginia House of Delegates leadership, Delegate Hugo currently serves as the Majority Caucus Chairman for the House Republican Caucus.
He is the Vice Chairman of the Finance Committee and also serves on the Commerce and Labor, Transportation, and Privileges and Election Committees. Delegate Hugo represents Centreville, Clifton, Fairfax, and Fairfax Station in Fairfax County as well as Catharpin, Gainesville, Haymarket, and Manassas in Prince William County.
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nefferdun
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What a courageous person. I hope it passes.
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Sammi
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I agree with both things you said!
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