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Calls For Action Made On Lyme Disease Research In New York

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) wants the federal government to do something about Lyme disease.

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) wants the federal government to do something about Lyme disease.

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) wants the federal government to do something about Lyme disease.

Photo Credit: USDA

Schumer urged the US Department of Health and Human Services last week to fully implement new laws that will increase research, vaccine development and treatment strategies to help stamp out tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease and Powassan.

“Lyme disease and newly emerging diseases like Powassan are in a sprint to spread this summer, but the federal response to combat this trend is moving along at a snail’s pace. We must do more, and we must do more now to protect kids and families,” said Senator Schumer. 

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection carried by deer ticks, which can be transmitted by a bite to a human or animal host. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment is crucial to recovery. 

In Westchester, Rockland, and Putnam, there have been 9,900 reported cases over the past 15 years.

In 2013, three Putnam County residents and one Westchester resident were diagnosed with Powassan, which can cause minor or massive brain swelling.

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