Evelyn Tweed MSP says more must be done to tackle Lyme Disease
Evelyn Tweed MSP has marked Lyme Disease Awareness Month by speaking in a parliamentary debate and hosting an event with charity, the Lyme Resource Centre.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bite of an infected tick. Tick bites are usually painless and can easily go unnoticed. There is no proven minimum time needed for the transmission of infection, so ticks should be carefully removed as soon as possible.
Often dubbed ‘The Great Pretender’, Lyme disease is regularly misdiagnosed, with early signs including flu-like symptoms, fever, fatigue, and migratory joint or muscle aches and pains. Lyme disease is treatable with antibiotics. However, if the diagnosis and treatment are delayed or missed then it can potentially cause long term health problems including pain and swelling in the joints, nerve problems, numbness or pain in your limbs, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and heart problems.
Experts suggest that the best way to tackle Lyme disease is through management and prevention of tick bites. Tucking trousers into socks, carrying a tick remover or fine-toothed tweezers and carrying out tick checks, both during and after time outdoors – especially on children and domestic animals – are all useful steps.
Unfortunately, many people are still unaware of the link between tick bites and Lyme disease. A recent Lyme Resource Centre study found that a third of people diagnosed with Lyme disease in Scotland were not aware of the need to protect themselves against tick bites, and 42% were not aware of Lyme disease at all. Although many see ticks as a hazard when exploring the countryside, as many as one in five were bitten in their garden. The survey also uncovered significant delays when it comes to diagnosing and treating Lyme Disease. For 74% of people, diagnosis took more than four weeks. 31% were not diagnosed for over a year. 16% waited more than five years.
These survey results were shared an event held at the Scottish Parliament on the first day of the awareness month. The event included speeches from Jenni Minto, Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, Arlene Bailey a Trustee of the Lyme Resource Centre, and the Rt Rev Dr C Herbert Patron of LRC. Morven-May MacCallum, a councillor in Black Isle and an author also shared her story of contracting Lyme disease. The event also featured music from Rico Franchi, a singer/songwriter and Ambassador of LRC.
Evelyn Tweed MSP also spoke in a parliamentary debate on Lyme Disease Awareness Month. In the debate, Ms Tweed told the story of a local family from Doune in her Stirling constituency who was recently impacted by Lyme disease. Eight-year-old Arran had a bite mark behind his ear, and developed a rash, and then a fever. He could barely rouse from sleep, and was admitted to hospital. He was diagnosed with Lyme disease and after a course of antibiotics he will make a swift recovery. His mum Heather has sung the praises of the NHS and local pharmacies, whose information posters means local are very aware of Lyme disease.
The debate saw cross-party support, and was closed by Maree Todd, Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport. The Minister highlighted the importance of prevention, awareness raising, and noted that Government officials will be meeting with the Lyme Resource Centre to build on their work.
Commenting, Evelyn Tweed MSP said: “ Lyme disease is personal for me, having watched my good friend Pauline suffer with it since 1989. Pauline was continually misdiagnosed, and it took many years for her to finally get diagnosis and treatment, and it still impacts her today. Her story is not rare, and I’m pleased to have held this event with the Lyme Resource Centre. Their work is achieving a great deal to raise awareness amongst medical professionals and the public.
“Ticks can be found all over Scotland, not just rural areas, but city parks and gardens too. Ticks are now being seen much earlier in the year, with the wetter and warmer weather brought by climate change thought to be having an impact on tick numbers and lifespan. It’s important that people aren’t put off from enjoying the great outdoors, so wherever you are spending time outside. take some time to understand the measures you can take to prevent bites and how to recognise the signs of Lyme disease will help avoid infection.’
Arlene Bailey, Trustee of the Lyme Resource Centre said “It was an honour to host this event at the Scottish Parliament. We were thrilled to see 25 MSPs attend, and many people sign the pledge to help tackle ticks and Lyme disease awareness.
We know the population of ticks is increasing and our latest research shows that, although awareness is improving, there is still a significant lack of understanding amongst people in Scotland. Tick bites and Lyme disease are very treatable if caught early, so it really is vitally important that people are aware of them and know how to protect themselves. It’s not just hikers who are at risk; it’s any of us that use city parks, country parks, any long grass anywhere. Use repellent, tuck your trousers into your socks, wear light-coloured clothing. Always do a tick check. Remove attached ticks carefully using a tick-removal tool. Protection and prevention is the rule.”
MORE INFO
For more information about ticks and Lyme Disease visit https://www.nhsinform.scot/lyme-disease or https://www.lymeresourcecentre.com/
