Delgado ramps up fight against Lyme

The Twin Counties have worked hard to deal with a health crisis. But this one is not the opioid epidemic. It is the Lyme disease epidemic.

Yet the counties, even with two fine public health departments and a quality hospital, can make only so much headway against this stubborn, mutating illness. So U.S. Rep. Antonio Delgado, D-19, is ramping up the fight, and in a most unusual manner.

Delgado hopes to make moves toward stemming the spread of Lyme disease with postage stamps, according to a new bill he introduced. The Stamp Out Lyme Disease Act is a bipartisan bill that would fund the National Institutes of Health’s research of treatment for Lyme and other tick-borne diseases through the sales of a postage stamp, reinforced by congressionally appropriated research funding.

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi that is only transmitted to humans when they are bitten by an infected tick, according to the Infectious Diseases Association. To infect its host, a tick typically must be attached to the skin for at least 36 hours. Most cases of Lyme disease occur in late spring and early summer.

The most common symptoms of Lyme disease include a red, circular “bull’s-eye” rash often accompanied by muscle and joint aches, according to the Infectious Diseases Society of America. About 70% to 80% of people infected develop the rash, which shows up several days to weeks after the tick bite.

In 2016, according to the IDSA, there were over 58,000 cases of Lyme disease reported in the U.S. and that number is growing.

The best treatment for Lyme disease is prevention, the IDSA said. Be cautious when walking in the woods, avoiding bushy and grassy areas. Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts and wear insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin. After walking in wooded areas, thoroughly check the skin for the poppy-seed sized ticks, paying particular attention to the scalp, armpits and groin. If you find a tick, carefully remove it with tweezers.

And here’s another reason to take the fight to Lyme disease: Some people develop lasting problems after infection, even with antibiotic treatment.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 5% of untreated people have chronic neurological complaints like shooting pain or numbness, or memory and concentration problems, months to years later. And a small percentage report symptoms that last for months to years, including arthritis pain, memory problems, fatigue and suicidal depression.

These are all good reasons to make Delgado’s bill a law, not just a lick and a promise.