"Reducing The Threat Of Lyme Disease"

Summer in Maine provides the ideal time to take part in the countless outdoor activities our state has to offer. From extensive wildlife paths, to miles of hiking trails, to simply playing in the backyard, Maine has an endless supply of opportunities to allow natives and visitors alike to connect with nature. The sharp rise of Lyme disease cases in the state, however, threatens to spoil the enjoyment that comes from being outside. More troubling is the fact that a recent report from the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that instances of Lyme disease have been vastly underreported, making Lyme disease a larger public health threat than was previously known. Fortunately, by making only a few minor changes to one's routine, the chances of contracting this disease can be significantly lowered.

Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium carried by infected deer ticks, a type of tick that is often not much bigger than the head of a pin. First discovered in Connecticut in 1975, Lyme disease has since spread to all 48 contiguous states and Alaska, although it is most commonly found in the Northeast and the upper Midwest. The most visible symptom of Lyme disease is a ring-shaped, "bull's eye" rash that appears on approximately 80 percent of patients. Other, less noticeable manifestations of Lyme disease include "flu-like" symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, headaches, and body aches. If allowed to progress, the disease can result in joint pain, neurological problems, and even partial paralysis.

While Lyme disease is most prevalent in southern Maine, cases of Lyme disease have been reported in all 16 counties. In the past decade, the number of reported infections has increased more than fivefold, from 175 cases in 2003 to 1,111 in 2012. The recent CDC report, however, estimates that only one in ten cases of Lyme disease is properly documented. It is clear that Lyme disease is more widespread than once thought.

Maine citizens, particularly those who spend time outdoors, can take actions to substantially reduce the risk posed by Lyme disease. To prevent bites from Lyme-carrying deer ticks, individuals should wear enclosed shoes and light-colored clothing that makes spotting ticks easier. In addition, individuals should use insect repellant before going outside and do a full-body tick-check at the end of each day. Even if one is bitten by a deer tick, it is important to remember that not all ticks carry the infection, and it usually takes at least 36 hours for an infected tick to transmit the disease after attaching. Nevertheless, whether an attached tick is seen or not, it is important to monitor oneself for symptoms of Lyme disease, as it is easier to treat if diagnosed in its early stages. A doctor can confirm the presence of the disease and treat it effectively through a course of antibiotics if diagnosed promptly.

While there is much individuals can do to prevent Lyme disease, the federal government can assume a more active role in combatting this disease. In May, I joined Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) in calling on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to take every step necessary to address a shortage of Doxycycline, a drug used in the treatment of Lyme disease. The issue of drug shortages has been a long-time concern of both Senator Klobuchar and mine, which is why we included a bipartisan agreement in last year's Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act requiring prescription drug manufacturers to report any incident that would result in a drug supply disruption. These provisions have helped to address shortages of a number of drugs, including Doxycycline, which, according to the CDC, is now available from most manufacturers.

In response to the CDC's report regarding the upwardly revised estimate of Lyme disease cases, Senator Klobuchar and I wrote a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius urging that her Department institute procedures to expand, intensify, and coordinate efforts to ensure that the public, health care providers, educators, and others are doing everything possible to prevent the spread of this disease. If caught and treated early on, Lyme disease often poses no long-term threat to individuals' health. The increasing prevalence in the State of Maine and the rest of the country, however, suggest that individuals, the community, and the government can work more closely together to reduce the rate of infections. If proper precautions are taken, there is no reason why Lyme disease should detract in any way from our enjoyment of the Maine outdoors.