Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 February 2016
408. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if the HSE is planning an awareness campaign in relation to a certain condition (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4423/16]
View answerThe Health Protection Surveillance Centre of the HSE is responsible for the surveillance of notifiable infectious diseases such as Lyme Disease. The Scientific Advisory Committee of the HPSC has established a Lyme Borreliosis Sub-Committee, the aim of which is to develop strategies to undertake primary prevention in order to minimise the harm caused by Lyme Borreliosis in Ireland. The Terms of Reference of the Sub-Committee are:
- To raise awareness in Ireland of Lyme Borreliosis amongst clinicians and the general public;
- To identify and highlight best international practice in raising awareness about Lyme Borreliosis for the general public;
- To develop policies of primary prevention of Lyme Borreliosis in Ireland based on best international practice;
- To explore ways in which to improve surveillance of neuroborreliosis in Ireland;
- To develop strategies to raise awareness among the general public particularly in areas of higher tick populations
- To produce a Final Report covering all the above areas.
Each year in late Spring/early Summer, the HPSC holds a Lyme Awareness Week to raise awareness among clinicians and the general public on the risk of infected tick bites, protecting oneself against tick bites and identifying the disease. In addition, there is extensive material regarding Lyme Disease on the HPSC website, www.hpsc.ie.
