Noting the record number of Lyme disease cases reported in New Jersey, U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) today called for passage of the Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Prevention, Education and Research Act – HR 3427. The bill, authored by Smith, would authorize an increase in the research and education of Lyme disease of $20 million per year over five years.

    Smith’s bill would improve tests used to diagnose Lyme disease, enhance the public health surveillance systems and improve our public education campaign to prevent new cases of Lyme disease. It also would create a federal task force on Lyme disease. Last year, the number of reported cases of Lyme disease climbed to a record high of 3,372 in New Jersey and approximately 22,000 nationally. Since only 10% of cases are actually reported, approximately 220,000 Americans developed Lyme disease in 2005 alone. 

    “The record number of cases reported should serve as a wake-up call to all of us that Lyme disease remains a serious problem,” said Smith. “My bill would greatly enhance our ability to treat this debilitating disease, and I will continue to vigorously work to ensure its passage.” 

    Symptoms of the disease may include fever, headache, fatigue, and sometimes a rash, which may be an expanding bull’s eye shape. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment may keep Lyme patients from developing chronic symptoms. , The disease can spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system – potentially causing meningitis or debilitating long-term problems.

    “Unfortunately, existing testing for Lyme disease is not accurate and misses many cases. You can test negative and still have Lyme,” said Pat Smith, President of the national Lyme Disease Association. “These patients often go on to develop chronic disease which may manifest in cardiac abnormalities, cognitive problems, depression, muscle and joint pain, and even blindness.” 

    “Our children are at some of the highest risk for the disease,” she continued, “with a study from Columbia University showing up to a 22 point drop in IQ, reversed with treatment, and with a CDC study of school children with Lyme disease in New Jersey showing the mean days missed because the patient was too ill to attend at 103.”

    Over 100 organizations nationwide – including all of the national Lyme Disease Association chapters and affiliates, and the International Lyme & Associated Diseases Society (ILADS), a professional medical organization – have signed onto a letter supporting Smith’s bill and its Senate companion bill which has also been introduced. 

    For additional information on Lyme disease and Rep. Smith’s bill, please visit the Lyme Disease Association's website.