Rotary Takes On Lyme

To the Editor:

The Newtown Lyme Disease Task Force would like to express our profound gratitude to the Newtown Rotary Club for sponsoring its sixth successful seminar on Lyme disease. The Rotary Club has been instrumental in educating our community on all aspects of the dangers of ticks and tick-borne diseases. The Rotarians mission statement, “Service above Self,” clearly shines through. Special thanks and acknowledgement to Donald Pulieri and the Fireside Inn for once again being such accommodating hosts.

Our sincere appreciation goes out to Dr Richard Horowitz for so generously donating his time and for his commitment to educating the public on tick-borne diseases. Also to Pat Smith, president of the Lyme Disease Association, who spoke on behalf of the children with Lyme disease. For closing comments, we were privileged to have Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, who has taken a strong stance with the multiple challenges that tick-borne diseases present to the State of Connecticut.

The fact that this lecture attracted over 300 attendees attests to the serious concerns of our community regarding this growing epidemic. It was of no surprise that over 90 percent of people stood up when asked if they or anyone in their family had Lyme disease. More importantly, two-thirds of the people raised their hands when asked if they were initially misdiagnosed or, it took multiple visits to physicians for their final diagnosis. This certainly can confirm the need for updated scientific research and education for our medical community as well as for the public.

Dr Kirby Stafford, from the Connecticut Agricultural Station, reports that in 2003, 28.7 percent of ticks sent in for testing from Newtown were reported positive for the spirochete that causes Lyme disease. Statistically, it is predicted that this year will see the heaviest tick numbers to date! Lyme disease is not the only infection that can be transmitted by the black legged or deer tick. Many people in Newtown are co-infected with other tick-borne diseases (ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, bartonella). Dr Horowitz stated that, “40 percent of those suffering chronic Lyme disease, may also have one or more of these diseases.”

We are witnessing an increase in the frequency of the number of Lyme disease cases among our friends, families, and neighbors. Through the feedback and support we receive from our community, The Newtown Lyme Disease Task Force will continue its mission to provide education and awareness that is so greatly needed on Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.

Sincerely,

Kim Harrison, Maggie Shaw

Taunton Hill Road, Newtown                                         May 11, 2004