Conn. House unanimously approves chronic Lyme treatment

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Conn. House unanimously approves chronic Lyme treatment

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By Brian Lockhart Staff Writer

Posted: 04/30/2009 01:37:39 PM EDT

 

HARTFORD - The House of Representatives in a unanimous vote Thursday

afternoon took what will likely be viewed as a nationally recognized stand in

the heated debate over the existence of chronic Lyme disease.

Lawmakers in a vote of 137 to zero passed legislation that allows

physicians who believe the illness exists to prescribe long-term antibiotic

treatment without fear of reprisal.

" It comes down on the side of people who suffer from Lyme in this big

debate, " Rep. William Tong, D-Stamford, a bill co-sponsor, said following the

vote. " It says the scientific community can have that debate but we're not

going to let anybody else go without treatment. "

Discovered in the mid-1970s in Connecticut, Lyme disease is transmitted to

humans by the bite of infected black-legged ticks. Symptoms include fever,

headache, fatigue and a rash. If untreated, infection can spread to

joints, the heart and the nervous system.

The commonly accepted treatment is up to 28 days of antibiotics.

Some patients - including lawmakers or their family members - are

convinced they suffer from chronic Lyme disease and need longer courses of

antibiotic treatment.

Although the state Department of Public Health does not expressly forbid

long-term antibiotic treatment for Lyme, the national Infectious Diseases

Society has dismissed chronic Lyme as a myth.

Those who believe in chronic Lyme argue this makes state physicians

fearful of being reported to the health health department if they choose to

recognize and treat chronic Lyme.

" There is a 'chill effect' " on doctors, Rep. Jason Bartlett, D-Bethel,

said.

Rep. Kimberly Fawcett, D-Fairfield, who helped spearhead the bill, told

her colleagues prior to Thursday's vote: " We recognize this controversy in

diagnosing this disease. But let's give our doctors the freedom and

autonomy. "

Rep. Scribner, R-Brookfield, a member of the legislature's Public Health

Committee, agreed.

" We've witnessed many people who have suffered long term, " he said. " I

strongly urge all the chamber to consider this measure which I think is a very

responsible measure. " The Connecticut Medical Society supported the bill.

The Society is not taking a stand on chronic Lyme disease but believes

physicians should have the right to treat patients as they see fit.

The legislation would require a chronic Lyme diagnosis be made based on

medical history and a physical. It only allows long-term antibiotics for

chronic Lyme disease and the language does not preclude the state from

investigating physicians for wrongly prescribing medicines.

Rep Peggy Sayers, D-Windsor Locks, a certified nurse, urged some caution.

" I think we still have to be careful about the effects of long-term

antibiotic therapy, " Sayers said. " I would really urge as we go forward there

still be some caution. "

--Staff Writer Brian Lockhart can be reached at 203 753 5352 or

_brian.lockhart_ (brian.lockhart)

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