USA INITIATIVE TO COMBAT LYME DISEASE

Lyme disease has been reported in over 60 to 80 countries worldwide - mostly concentrated across regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. It is estimated that around 476,000 people may be diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease each year in the United States of America. As tick populations increase and expand geographically, the annual numbers of cases of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases are increasing - presenting an urgent public health challenge.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a major initiative to strengthen the nation’s response to Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses with a goal of reducing Lyme disease cases by 25% by 2035 compared to 2022 levels.

The strategy focuses on three key areas:

• Tick control: Multi-million-dollar pilot programmes to reduce tick population

  s, disrupt breeding cycles and target ticks on wildlife.

• Improved diagnosis and care: Up to $2.5 million in LymeX innovation challenges to develop faster, more accurate diagnostic tests and Improved access to experienced healthcare providers.

• Prevention and research: Funding for NIH research into Alpha-gal syndrome, public education on preventive measures , and public-private partnerships to support patient care and accelerate new prevention methods.

  
  

LymeX Innovation Accelerator (LymeX)

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The Lyme Innovation Accelerator (LymeX), is a public/private partnership between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation. The goal of this partnership is to identify, develop and implement advancements in all aspects of Lyme disease care.

International Lyme & Associated Diseases Society (ILADS)

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) have announced a new public-private collaboration aimed at strengthening national efforts around Lyme disease, tickborne illnesses, Infection associated chronic conditions & illnesses and related complex chronic conditions, and invisible illness.

“For too long, patients with Lyme and complex chronic conditions have faced challenges accessing timely and appropriate diagnosis and care,” said ILADS Executive Director, Sarah Quillen. “This collaboration creates an opportunity to better support those patients while strengthening the resources available to clinicians.” https://www.ilads.org/us-department-of-health-and-human-services-and-ilads-announce-strategic-partnership-to-advance-lyme-and-chronic-disease-care/

Alpha-gal syndrome

Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a serious, potentially life-threatening allergy to red meat and other mammal products (eg dairy products and gelatin) caused by a tick bite.  Alpha-gal is a molecule (galactose-α-1,3-galactose) that is naturally produced in the bodies of most mammals but not in people.It can be transmitted in the saliva of the North American Lone Star tick and Ixodes ricinus ticks  in Europe. 

It triggers delayed allergic reactions including nausea, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhoea, stomach pain, and hives. Symptoms usually start 2-6 hrs after eating and may be mild or severe. Very severe reactions, such as anaphylaxis which affects breathing and circulation, are less common but possible. 

Alpha-gal syndrome can be diagnosed through a specific blood test checking for alpha-gal IgE antibodies. This link provides further information:                          

Alpha-gal allergy | Anaphylaxis UK