Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 December 2012
648. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Health if there is a national strategy in relation to tackling Lyme Disease here; the treatment available here for the disease; if his attention has been drawn to the distress caused to sufferers of the disease; his plans to pursue any type of awareness campaign for the symptoms of Lyme Disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56861/12]
View answerLyme disease (also known as Lyme borelliosis) is an infection caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi which is transmitted to humans by bites from ticks infected with the bacteria. The infection is generally mild affecting only the skin, but can sometimes be more severe involving other organs. Ramblers, campers and those who work in such areas especially if they come into contact with large animals are at greatest risk of being bitten by ticks and of going on to develop the disease. Lyme disease is normally treated using antibiotics such as doxycycline or amoxicillin for up to three weeks. If complications develop, intravenous antibiotics may be required.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has also produced a leaflet "Protecting Yourself Against Tick Bites and Lyme Disease" which may be downloaded from their website provides members of the general public and media with advice on minimising the risk of Lyme disease.
Lyme Disease was added to the list of notifiable diseases in Ireland on 21 September 2011. This will provide valuable information for estimating the incidence of Lyme disease in Ireland into the future.
