Commentary: Get serious about Lyme disease

Cases of tick-borne diseases have been rising. And the federal data probably capture only a fraction of the number of people with these illnesses.

Arkin

In a new GHN Commentary, Gerald Arkin takes a personal view of Lyme disease. He writes that his daughter underwent years of doctor visits, treatments and procedures before finally being diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease.

Arkin, a retired University of Georgia administrator, calls for more funding for research, treatment and education on Lyme disease. He notes that various ticks have expanded their habitats in the United States, and he believes that climate change is a factor.

“It is past time for the CDC and medical practitioners and their professional societies to recognize the Lyme disease scourge for what it is and develop the treatment protocols and policies to combat it,’’ he writes.

Here’s a link to his Commentary.