Lyme Disease Expert Speaking At Rotary-Sponsored Event

“Lyme Disease and the Problems Associated with its Diagnosis and Treatment” is the topic of an upcoming seminar being co-sponsored by the Newtown Rotary Club and four other local Rotary organizations.

The Ridgefield and Newtown Lyme Disease Task Forces are also co-sponsoring the free activity. The Lyme awareness event is being held at the Westside Campus Student Center at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury April 25, from 7 to 9 pm.

Featured speakers include Dr Joseph J. Burrascano, Jr, and Dr Richard I. Horowitz, vice president and president-elect of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS).

Dr Burrascano is a leading authority in treating tick-borne diseases. During his 25 years as an internist in East Hampton, N.Y. — an area hyperendemic for Lyme disease — he treated more than 11,000 patients from 46 states and 16 countries.

He is author of the ILADS’ Lyme Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines in addition to publishing numerous papers in medical journals. He is currently heading an ongoing research project developing a universal Lyme and associated diseases database.

His appearances at conferences and scientific symposia continually bring new insight and clarity to the controversies in Lyme disease treatment.

Dr Burrascano also serves as medical director for Advanced Research Corporation in St Petersburg, Fla. His diagnostic skills were recently featured on the Discovery Channel series Medical Mysteries in “The Laura Zeller Story.”

Dr Horowitz is a diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine, with a practice in Hyde Park, N.Y. He served as assistant director of medicine at Vassar Brothers Hospital in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., for seven years and founded the Hudson Valley Healing Arts Center, which includes comprehensive treatment for Lyme and related tick-borne diseases, in 1997.

Dr Horowitz lectures frequently on late-stage illness and the co-infections such as babesiosis and ehrlichiosis that often complicate the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease. His impressive presentation skills make this complex subject understandable for patients as well as physicians.

The evening’s honored guest will be State Representative Jason Bartlett. Rep Bartlett included Lyme-related issues in his campaign platform and recently introduced bills to further Lyme awareness.

Motivated by the personal experiences of friends and family as well as the health concerns of his constituents, Rep Bartlett has pledged continued action in addressing and eradicating tick-borne illness in Connecticut.

Doors open to the public at 6 pm. For additional information, call 775-8010 or email rldtf@comcast.net.

Rotary Club sponsors include Brookfield, Danbury Sunrise, Danbury Noon, Newtown and Ridgefield. The event also includes free exhibits and literature.