Kelly pushes for increased federal funding to fight Lyme disease

Mid-Hudson News - Newburgh,NY,USA

Saying the Hudson Valley is the “epicenter” of Lyme disease in the nation and the State of New York has the highest instance of the disease that is transmitted to humans by deer ticks, Congresswoman Sue Kelly announced yesterday that she has re-introduced a bill that would appropriate $10 million for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2010 to provide research and educational activities concerning the disease.

Kelly’s bill, which is also sponsored by fellow Hudson Valley House Member Maurice Hinchey, would require development of a diagnostic test to detect Lyme; authorize federal funding for increased educational activities and local community prevention information; and create an advisory committee of the Department of Health and Human Services on Lyme disease.

Orange County Health Commissioner Dr. Jean Hudson said those measures would be a great help in the fight against the disease. “Early testing and a test that is responsive to treatment would help us enormously,” she said. “Now, when you are tested for Lyme disease and you are positive, you can get it again, still the test is no use the second time around. It becomes a clinical discussion.”

County Executive Edward Diana also endorsed the congressional efforts to pass the Lyme disease legislation.