MP Backs Local Lyme Disease Campaign

1.14.13pm GMT Thu 22nd Feb 2007

Following the Launch of the Lyme Disease Action Charity in Penryn, local MP Julia Goldsworthy has tabled a Parliamentary Motion, calling on the Government to take more action to tackle this serious and growing health problem.

Official figures for England and Wales show that between 2003 and 2006 the number of laboratory confirmed cases of Lyme disease has more than doubled. However, the Health Protection Agency acknowledges that these numbers do not equate to the actual numbers of cases, which they estimate could be up to 2000 per annum. Lyme Disease Action has evidence that even these figures may be an underestimate.

Ms Goldsworthy was made aware of the issue, by Stephanie Woodcock of Penryn, who is Chair of the charity which through its 'Lobby for Lyme' campaign, is raising awareness of this serious and potentially chronic health condition and calling on the government to make it a notifiable disease.

Lyme disease is caused by the bite of an infected tick; something that can happen on any country walk in the UK. It can be difficult to diagnose and consequently many people with Lyme disease are not being recognised as having it.

Denzil Searle from Camborne has had the disease for nearly two years. He was misdiagnosed and was forced to seek treatment from a private specialist. Mr Searle said:

"Lyme disease is a truly horrible illness, made even worse by the lack of interest and understanding by GPs, and poor information provided by the health authorities. I was a fit, healthy outdoor type, but was virtually crippled by constant pain, fatigue, lack of sleep, numbness, and pins and needles."

"Several months into a high dose course of antibiotics I am not quite back to normal but my life has come back."

Julia Goldsworthy MP, who tabled Early Day Motion (874) and is encouraging her fellow MPs to put pressure on the government, said:

"I first became aware of this serious health problem when I was contacted by constituents who had symptoms of Lyme disease, but who had been told they did not have this disease.

"I learned that there are difficulties surrounding this diagnosis and it should be diagnosed on clinical symptoms. In the case of my constituents, treatment against Lyme disease was successful, enabling both to work and become active members of the community again. The Department of Health really needs to look at this issue again."