Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
1386. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health if he will instruct the HSE to erect signage drawing the attention of persons to ticks and Lyme disease nationally; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that ticks are widespread throughout the countryside and in areas of rough vegetation and forestry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32724/19]
View answerThe Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) have highlighted the issue of Lyme disease, and how to prevent tick bites and Lyme disease, since 2008. Lyme disease is a notifiable disease in Ireland since 2012. The HPSC publishes significant amounts of information on Lyme disease on its website - hpsc.ie - for the public and health professionals. The HPSC holds a Lyme Awareness Day each year to highlight this issue and is constantly adding new material to its website. This year a Lyme Awareness Day was held on Monday 29 April.
The Scientific Advisory Committee of the HPSC established a Lyme Borreliosis Subcommittee to look at ways of increasing public awareness. Part of the work of the Lyme Borreliosis Subcommittee is to ensure that all GPs are familiar with identifying and managing Lyme disease.
As this PQ refers to Lyme disease awareness raising, I have referred it to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
