Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017
1002. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health when he expects the HSE health protection surveillance centre's Lyme borreliosis sub-committee to issue its report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28578/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1003. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health the number of meetings of the HSE health protection surveillance centre's Lyme borreliosis sub-committee held to date in 2017; if meetings are planned for the remainder of 2017. [28579/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1118. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce a public health programme on Lyme disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26950/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1137. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health his plans to enlighten persons regarding Lyme disease, its effects and the way in which it is contracted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26995/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1194. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of persons with Lyme disease; his and the HSE's strategy for dealing with the problem; the supports that are available for those affected by the disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27244/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1571. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28968/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1002, 1003, 1118, 1137, 1194 and 1571 together.
Lyme disease (also known as Lyme borreliosis) is an infection caused by a spiral-shaped bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted to humans by bites from ticks infected with the bacteria. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) of the HSE has extensive information concerning Lyme disease on its website www.hpsc.ie/a-z/vectorborne/lymedisease/.
Lyme boreliosis was made been statutorily notifiable in Ireland by the Infectious Diseases (Amendment Regulations) Regulations 2011 (S.I. no 452 of 2011). The notifiable entity is Lyme neuroborreliosis, the more severe neurological form of Lyme boreliosis. The HPSC of the HSE collects and collates surveillance data on notifiable infectious diseases. The number of annual neuroborreliosis notifications over the last few years is as follows:
- 2012 - 08 cases;
- 2013 - 13 cases;
- 2014 - 18 cases;
- 2015 - 12 cases;
- 2016 - 21 cases (provisional).
Since 2013, the HPSC has held an annual ‘Lyme Awareness Week’ at the beginning of the tick biting season, the purpose of which is to draw attention - particularly in the media - to Lyme disease and the ticks that can spread this disease. This year Lyme Disease week took place between 18 - 22 May. It is normally held at this time of the year to raise awareness before people engage in outdoor activities such as ramblers, campers, mountain bikers, and others who work and walk in forested or grassy, which bring them into contact with ticks. Advice is given on how to avoid tick bites, and on what to do if you are bitten. Further information is available on the HPSC website - www.hpsc.ie - and on twitter.
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. In addition to staff from the HPSC, the membership of the Sub-Committee includes specialists in Public Health Medicine, Consultants in Infectious Diseases, Clinical Microbiology, Occupational Health an Entomologist from the Parks and Wildlife Service, a representative from the Local Government Management Agency, an Environmental Health Officer and, very importantly, a representative from Tick Talk Ireland, the primary Support Group for Lyme disease in Ireland. The Sub-Committee first met on 6 May 2015 and it is expected to report in 2017.
There is significant support and extensive information for health professionals and the public on the HPSC website. These supports include a fact sheet on tick borne diseases, including Lyme Disease. This fact sheet gives information on clinical features, the disease, transmission routes, prevention measures, diagnosis, and management and treatment. There is also an erythema migrans (EM) diagnostic tool to aid health professionals in the diagnosis of EM, which is frequently the earliest clinical manifestation of Lyme borreliosis.
