Migratory Birds Carrying Ticks and Lyme

  Longitudinal study shows that migrating birds can carry several species of ticks.  We cannot know how many ticks fell off in transit? The  theory that Lyme disease was being spread by bird migration and may result in  variations in Borrelia was greatly championed by Dr. Edwin Masters of  Missouri, who  pointed out that the Canadian flyway of bird migration goes right through the  midwest and may result in epidemiology of the disease different than  the  NE USA or the Pacific coast. Read the study here http://dx.doi.org/10.3201/eid1810.120511 .

A Review of Studies On Antibiotic Retreatment Proves Nothing

Allison DeLong, a biostatistician at Brown University published a new statistical review that called into question studies that have been taken as proof that antibiotic retreatment for chronic Lyme disease is futile. That misunderstanding has led to medical guidance that discourages retreatment and insurance coverage for it. Instead, the authors of the review suggest, the proper reading of the studies and their data is that they prove nothing.

Many of the thousands of us who have chronic Lyme, can attest to the benefits of retreatment, but so far there had been few studies refuting what the Infectious Disease doctors believe to be true. Mabe now the Lyme community is slowly making progress toward getting others to recognize the benefits of retreatment or longer treatment in the first place! For Ms. DeLong’s findings, click here http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2012/08/lyme-disease-retreatment-guidance-may-be-flawed.aspx .

There maybe a 5 second commerical before it takes you to the site where the article is posted.

Howard County Lyme Support Group

Our upcoming support group meetings for those suffering from Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses as well as for those supporting people suffering.

Schedule:
Sunday, November 18th, 3pm – 4:30pm (Our meeting will feature a video of Robert Giguere with IGeneX laboratory as he explains Lyme disease testing, why people may test negative and still have Lyme, and the progression of Lyme testing in the US since the 70’s and more.)

Sunday, October 21st, 3pm – 4:30pm (Guest Speaker – Deborah McCabe, Holistic Lyme Practitioner) [Complete]
Where: Howard County Public Library Central Branch
Time: 3:00 – 4:30pm

You are welcome to join us!

2012 Study showing one dose of Doxy doesn’t work!

The Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) and Johns Hopkins Infectious Disease doctors have long supported the notion that one dose of Doxycycline (antibiotic) within 3 days of a tick bite will prevent Lyme disease. This animal study shows that prophylactic treatment was totally ineffective when delivered ≥2 days after tick removal. https://sites.google.com/site/marylandlyme/treatment/one-dose-doxy-doesn-t-work

New tick-borne illness discovered in Missouri

Last month, NBC NEWS reported on a new tick- borne virus discovered in Missouri. The Lone Star tick, or A. americanum, may be responsible for the spread of a never-before-seen virus that hospitalized two Missouri farmers. No, we don’t live near Missouri, but if they are discovering new illnesses and disease carried by those little buggers, it’s even more important to keep vigilant and protect yourself and your family even when gardening, doing yard work, hiking or take the dogs out for a walk. To read more about the NBC News report, click on this link http://vitals.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/08/29/13532240-new-tick-borne-virus-puts-the-bite-on-missouri-farmers?lite