A local MSP has called on the First Minister to raise awareness of the early symptoms of Lyme disease.
Brian Whittle took to the floor during First Minister’s Questions at Holyrood to ask what the Scottish Government was doing to ensure early diagnosis and treatment of the infection, which is spread by tick bites.
Lyme disease isn’t always easy to diagnose because the early symptoms; tiredness, sore muscles, and maybe a runny nose; can be caused by a number of conditions. Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer, Catherine Calderwood, recently wrote to medics across Scotland reminding them to consider Lyme disease as a diagnosis, particularly if patients spend a lot of time outdoors in areas where ticks are common.
Around 200 people a year have the disease and that number has been increasing. While an early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics is an effective treatment, the disease can be debilitating.
Brian sits on the Public Petitions Committee, who have heard evidence from patients who have experienced the chronic, debilitating effects of Lyme disease, and wants to see more done to raise awareness among the wider public as well as GPs.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“One of the biggest challenges in treating Lyme disease is early diagnosis. All too often people are bitten by a tick and then experience the early symptoms of Lyme disease, which can be a bit like getting the flu, without putting two and two together.
Even someone does go and see their local GP or nurse, not all medics have the training or knowledge to consider Lyme disease as a cause.
There’s a clear need to raise awareness among the public and medics about the causes and symptoms of Lyme disease. I’m pleased the Chief Medical Officer is working to raise awareness throughout the NHS, but we need greater public awareness too.”
