Some doubt whether Lyme disease exists

WWLP TV

Updated: Aug 23, 2012 1:04 PM

BOSTON (WWLP) — There is a community of doctors that doesn’t believe Lyme disease actually exists.

Experts gathering on Beacon Hill Friday said that there’s a lack of understanding and education in the medical community and community at large on Lyme disease, an illness that often goes underreported.

The Lyme Disease Commission is exploring ways to increase awareness on the illness through targeted ad campaigns and a uniform message from medical societies and the state. They want to resolve underreporting of the disease by creating teleforms that can be easily sent to state agencies. Experts say that information is so lacking on Lyme disease and its continuing symptoms that some doctors don’t know how to deal with the problem.

“Physicians are telling their patients, ‘I don’t believe in Lyme disease or chronic Lyme disease,’” said infectious disease specialist Dr. Sam Donta.

“I don’t see any other way around this as far as educating physicians.”

Experts say Lyme disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. The Commission confirmed more than 4,000 cases in Massachusetts in 2009.

The Commission meets monthly and will release a report on their latest findings to the Legislature no later than next April, but they expect to submit it earlier.

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