22nd May 2024:
I thank Alexander Burnett for leading the debate. Lyme disease is an issue close to my heart. Colleagues may remember that I led a debate on the subject last year.
I recently had the pleasure of hosting a reception with the Lyme Resource Centre, to kick off national Lyme disease awareness month. I thank members who gave a shout-out to that event, at which we heard from campaigners who had been absolutely debilitated by Lyme disease—sometimes after decades of misdiagnosis. In contrast, I have heard recently about several cases that have been caught early and in which antibiotics have been administered quickly.
My constituent, Heather McKay from Doune, told me about her eight-year-old son, Arran. He had a bite mark behind his ear and a rash that spread across his face. It was not in the shape of a bull’s-eye, and the GP did not think that it was Lyme disease. Arran then developed a fever, and Heather became convinced that that had something to do with the bite. Within a few days, Arran became extremely unwell and was admitted to hospital, where he was treated for Lyme disease. As members can imagine, that was an extremely stressful time for the family. Thankfully, Arran is fully recovered, and I am glad to say that his grandparents, Brian and Pauline, are with us in the chamber today.
Arran’s was not a textbook case. The GP had focused on looking for a bull’s-eye rash. Although that is a good sign to look for, there does not need to be a rash. There may be no rash; neither does any rash need to be in the shape of a bull’s-eye. In one in three cases, there is no rash at all. We need to ensure that there is an understanding that many cases do not present in that way.
Catching the symptoms of Lyme disease early is an excellent outcome, but preventing it in the first place is even better. Members have already talked about some of that. Tucking trousers into socks sounds really easy, but it works. Using insect repellent on skin and clothes can stop bites.
There is still some way to go. The Lyme Resource Centre has recently shared the results of a survey that found that 42 per cent of people who were diagnosed with Lyme disease in Scotland had not been at all aware of that disease. Many people see ticks as a risk only when venturing out into the hills in summertime. However, one in five who answered the survey was bitten in their own garden.
I agree with earlier comments on prevalence. There is some evidence that milder and wetter winters are extending the lifespan of ticks. Warmer weather is also increasing the time that people spend outdoors. Those factors are likely to increase the risk of transmission. I am glad that further research into that is part of the Scottish Government’s climate change national adaptation plan. The minister committed to an awareness campaign, and I was pleased to see the publication of materials recently. I call on the Government to detail how it can build on that and ensure that the public know about the changing risk.
Given stories such as Arran’s, I hope that we are becoming more aware of Lyme disease and are acting more quickly to combat it. I am extremely grateful to the 25 MSPs who attended my event earlier this month and signed the Lyme Resource Centre pledge. Together, we can work cross-party to ensure that the issue is firmly on the agenda.
