Lyme Disease Was First Identified in Australia in 1982, the Disease Has Spread Geographically, and in Severity
Growing evidence of an emerging tick- borne disease that causes a Lyme-like illness for many Australia patients. Professor Noel. Campbell Fellow Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine Executive Summary: Over the past three decades, thousands of Australian families have felt the impact of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases (TBDs), with an estimated10,000 individuals affected each year. Whether it is a laborer who cannot continue his work because of debilitating joint pain, or a child who misses school because of debilitating fatigue, pain and cognitive dysfunction, TBDs can have a significant effect on the day to day lives of Australians. Since Lyme disease was first identified in Australia in 1982, the disease has spread geographically, and in severity. It has been documented that there has been an increase in tickborne diseases in Australia, including early and late forms, as well as an increase in neurological cases. The patient experience may be characterized by delays in diagnosis, confusion, frustration, ongoing illness, with, in many cases poor outcomes, disability and a significant financial burden. (Most recently, we have started to record deaths in Australia from tickborne diseases.) Recognizing these facts, the Parliament of Australia has referred these matters to the Senate Community Affairs References committee for enquiry and report. The Senate acknowledged the significant toll TBDs may exact on individuals, families, communities, and the state, noting that TBDs pose a serious threat to the health and quality of life of many residents and visitors to Australia. The purpose of this inquiry should be to establish a Lyme and related tickborne diseases task force charged with exploring and identifying recommendations related to education and awareness, long- term effects of misdiagnosis, prevention, and surveillance.
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