NEWS: IOM releases long-awaited Lyme report
The Institute of Medicine, which last year held a two day workshop about Lyme disease, has released its long-awaited report. It's what they call a "workshop summary." It summarizes information presented at the workshop, but does not include any conclusions from the IOM panel itself.
From the IOM website:
Critical Needs and Gaps in Understanding Prevention, Amelioration, and Resolution of Lyme and Other Tick-Borne Diseases: The Short-Term and Long-Term Outcomes – Workshop Report
A single tick bite can have debilitating consequences. Lyme disease is the most common disease carried by ticks in the United States, and the number of those afflicted is growing steadily—from 10,000 reported cases in 1992 to 30,000 in 2009. If caught early, Lyme and other diseases spread by ticks—known as tick-borne diseases—usually cause only mild symptoms and can be treated easily; however, if left untreated, these diseases can cause severe pain, fatigue, neurological problems, and other serious health problems.
At the request of the National Institutes of Health, the IOM held a workshop October 11-12, 2010, to examine the state of the science in Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. Speakers discussed current research and knowledge gaps; criteria for diagnosing tick-borne diseases; the groups most vulnerable to acquiring tick-borne diseases; and the experiences of those with tick-borne diseases. This document summarizes the workshop.
So, does this mean there will be another report that has conclusions?
Lorraine, looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the report. Have looked through it quickly and liked the introduction metaphor of 'a walk in the woods' in terms of acknowledging and encouraging the need for collaboration by the two sides.
The first sentence is striking and gives weight to the fact that Lyme can be a chronic disease: 'A single tick bite can have debilitating consequences.'
Also, there seem to be important questions posed by the committee with regard to the impact of co-infections.
I just wish they had put some weight behind their insights by making true recommendations.