Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2020
714. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if his officials will consider the way in which to raise awareness of Lyme disease with the general public who are now exercising outdoors more frequently during the Covid-19 emergency. [11570/20]
View answerThe HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) is responsible for the surveillance of notifiable infectious diseases such as Lyme disease. 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 Subcommittee is to ensure that all GPs are familiar with identifying and managing Lyme disease. The HPSC website (hpsc.ie) provides extensive information on Lyme disease diagnosis, treatment and how to avoid tick bites for the general public and health professionals.
As this PQ refers to operational matters regarding Lyme disease, I have referred it to the Health Service Executive for further attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
