Lyme needs federal action

Poughkeepsie Journal
Lyme disease should receive needed national attention, and funding, if similar bills in the House and Senate are passed.

It is reassuring these two legislative entities are aware of the problem and hope to put government resources into finding a solution.

These far-reaching bills have key elements that make them worthy of support:

- Each requires the development of a universal test to detect Lyme. This one action should act as a major catalyst toward reducing the number of chronic cases of Lyme disease. Early detection significantly improves the chance for successful treatment with no long-term effects.

- Both bills also would create an advisory committee to oversee ways to prevent and control the disease. With members from the public, as well as the medical community and research experts as part of this group, all areas of concern should be addressed.

- They would authorize federal funding for diagnosis and treatment and expand community prevention programs.

The need for a national approach to Lyme disease is evident. This tick-borne ailment has a far-reaching impact. Symptoms can range from mild aches to full debilitation and even death. It has been reported in almost every state, with New York, and the Hudson Valley, leading the way in cases reported.

Two prior bills in the House, a $50 million proposal by Rep. Sue Kelly, R-Katonah, and a $100 million effort by Rep. Christopher Smith, R-N.J., had different objectives. These two leaders put aside differences to introduce this updated, unified bill.

H.R. 3427, which allocates $100 million, mimics a Senate bill sponsored by Sens. Rick Santorum, R-Pa. and Christopher Dodd, D-Conn.

The fact there are similar bills should make passage easier. There is no need for a conference committee to hash out differences, so passage should be swift. The action is needed.

This season there are concerns the numbers may increase even more. An ecologist at the Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook said more than eight technicians there have contracted the disease, while usually only a few workers are afflicted annually. If this trend continues, it may eradicate the dip that occurred in 2004, when Dutchess reported 974 cases as opposed to 1,290 in 2003. Nationally, there were 17,753 cases in 2004, down from 19,647 in 2003.

It's obvious Lyme disease is a serious problem that demands the government's attention. This law would establish the resources to battle and prevent Lyme from spreading in the Hudson Valley and the nation. It should be a top priority when legislators return in September.