The Next Person Infected Could Be You
It's About Lyme... is a nonprofit, 501 (c)(3) (pending), organization dedicated to helping individuals with Lyme disease and their families live a healthier today. They were formed by a group of lyme victims, friends and family who know all too well the damage this debilitating infectious disease can cause.
It's About Lyme will be hosting it's first fundraiser in NYC on May 19, 2010 at Professor Thom's from 7-11pm. Join comedians, guest speakers, DJ's, celebrity bartenders, a silent auction and food from Christopher's Kitchen catering of New Jersey. They are currently seeking sponsors of all levels to help raise money for their cause.
Lyme disease is the most widespread vector-borne disease in the USA and is a major problem worldwide. Ticks know no borders and respect no boundaries. A patient's county of residence does not accurately reflect his or her Lyme disease risk.
Lyme disease is under-reported. Of the reported cases only approximately 23,000 per year meet the strict criteria. The CDC has gone on record saying that they estimate the official cases reported may be 10% of the total number of cases that would be accepted if all cases were reported, so 230,000 new cases per year is likely the reality.
Lyme disease has been frequently misdiagnosed, especially in absence of the rash, as MS, ALS, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Autism, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and others. Lyme disease is often referred to as “The Great Imitator”, as it can virtually imitate any symptom of any disease.
Lab tests for Lyme disease are not reliable. A person may test negative for Lyme disease and still have the disease. Patients report having problems getting diagnosed and are often diagnosed late. In 1988 the NY Health Dept. warned physicians that the 'two-tiered' (ELISA/Western Blot) criterion was missing up to 45% of positive Lyme cases. In 2005, a study by John's Hopkins University concluded that the IDSA-endorsed two-tier criteria was missing 75% of positive Lyme cases.
There has never been a study showing that 30 days of antibiotics cures Lyme disease, yet there is a differing opinion about short-term versus long-term treatments. If symptoms return after short-term treatment it may indicate that the bacteria have not been fully eliminated. Without further treatment the patient could become much more ill and suffer from Chronic Lyme disease.
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
