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From a letter to the editor...
Lawmakers must act to stem Lyme spread
Are tick-borne diseases the new AIDS? Government latency to the problem has allowed Lyme disease to spread all over the United States, and may lead to the next pandemic. Shame on our legislators who pale in the wake of our Connecticut neighbors who addressed this problem first and foremost, whilst the Hudson Valley may become No. 1 in tick infections.
Doctors' hands are tied by health insurers causing sufferers who don't get swift and comprehensive treatment to become a chronic statistic.
Ticks now carry Bartonella, babesia, ehrlichiosis and other blood infections.
The Centers for Disease Control's outdated and inaccurate information has created a black hole for doctors, insurance companies and patients. Mid-Hudson physicians are misinformed or arrogant about Lyme. I can't tally those I know who have been misdiagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, fibromyalgia, arthritis, heart attacks, etc., when it's Lyme.
Tick infections are being spread through sexual contact and blood transfusions, mosquitoes and other arthropods. And the medical community is still arguing about acute versus chronic Lyme.
I am optimistic, but not holding my breath, that our leaders will appropriate money appropriately should the Lyme Act of 2005 pass. Legislators would be sage to stop witch-hunting Lyme literate doctors and engage them for their knowledge of tick diseases.
Steve Ascenzo, Poughkeepsie
Poughkeepsie Journal
August 21, 2005
Are tick-borne diseases the new AIDS? Government latency to the problem has allowed Lyme disease to spread all over the United States, and may lead to the next pandemic. Shame on our legislators who pale in the wake of our Connecticut neighbors who addressed this problem first and foremost, whilst the Hudson Valley may become No. 1 in tick infections.
Doctors' hands are tied by health insurers causing sufferers who don't get swift and comprehensive treatment to become a chronic statistic.
Ticks now carry Bartonella, babesia, ehrlichiosis and other blood infections.
The Centers for Disease Control's outdated and inaccurate information has created a black hole for doctors, insurance companies and patients. Mid-Hudson physicians are misinformed or arrogant about Lyme. I can't tally those I know who have been misdiagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, fibromyalgia, arthritis, heart attacks, etc., when it's Lyme.
Tick infections are being spread through sexual contact and blood transfusions, mosquitoes and other arthropods. And the medical community is still arguing about acute versus chronic Lyme.
I am optimistic, but not holding my breath, that our leaders will appropriate money appropriately should the Lyme Act of 2005 pass. Legislators would be sage to stop witch-hunting Lyme literate doctors and engage them for their knowledge of tick diseases.
Steve Ascenzo, Poughkeepsie
Poughkeepsie Journal
August 21, 2005