Lyme disease

Thank you for contacting me about the diagnoses of Lyme disease, about which I have recently spoken to GPs.

In 2014, there were 730 confirmed Lyme disease cases reported in England & Wales. Most Lyme disease cases are diagnosed clinically and treated by general practitioners.

I am aware that the Lyme diagnostic service is provided by the Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL) at Public Health England Porton. The Laboratory is setting up a research programme into the diagnosis of Lyme disease. It is my understanding that the National Health Service provides treatment for Lyme disease following current international best practice, and Public Health England (PHE) has issued guidance notes for medical professionals aimed at improving recognition, as well as a referral pathway for GPs to follow to seek specialist help for patients who suffer complications from the disease. PHE is investigating the feasibility of creating a network of physicians to develop standardised investigation and treatment protocols for Lyme disease patients with the aim of improving outcomes.

With a view to improving awareness, the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence and Lyme Disease Action have produced guidance (http://qna.files.parliament.uk/qna-attachments/421251/original/HL2622.p…) and training modules for GPs, and PHE has a helpline for doctors, as well as running GP training days.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.