National Post | Fri 10 Mar 2006 | Byline: Tom Blackwell
John Scott was supposed to be in Toronto yesterday to tell government officials what it is like to have suffered for 20 years from Lyme disease. But he never showed up -- the disease's continuing ravages left him too sick to make the 100-kilometre trip from his home in Fergus.
"It's been hell on wheels, really," the 60-year-old former agrologist said. "I've just had to change my life completely in terms of what I can and can't do. I used to be very outgoing and community-minded and I've had to back off that completely."
It is a toll that increasing numbers of Canadians may face. As government experts waded into an emotional debate over the illness's scope yesterday, they acknowledged that Lyme, a bacteria spread by tiny ticks, is a growing threat across Canada.
Not only are Lyme-carrying ticks settling permanently in more parts of the country, but itinerant ticks from the United States are routinely bringing the disease across the border on the backs of migrating birds, said Dr. Harvey Artsob, a Public Health Agency of Canada official.
"There is no question we are seeing the spread of [Lyme-] established areas," he said. "When we project with other aspects, like climate change, we think the problem, the issue of Lyme disease in Canada will only become greater."
His comments came at the start of an unprecedented meeting between federal and provincial officials and patient advocates to discuss updating official guidelines on Lyme, which patients say has been vastly underdiagnosed.
Controversial issues around the 15-year-old guidelines include the adequacy of testing in Canada and a definition of the illness that critics say is too narrow.
Differences of opinion are still great. But the very fact that patient groups were invited is an important step, one officials have never taken in the United States, where the Lyme debate has spawned lawsuits, investigation of doctors and even state legislation to free up doctors to treat patients, said Jim Wilson, president of the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation.
"What we're doing right here today is different than anything that's been done in the United States. I'm hoping that this can be the door that needed to be opened. I think we have a chance here to set a global model."
Lyme disease is transmitted by certain tick species -- the blacklegged, or deer, tick in Central and Eastern Canada and the western blacklegged tick in B.C., after the bugs have picked it up from mice, birds and other small animals.
In humans, it can often cause a circular rash around the site of the bite, possibly followed by flu-like symptoms and progressing, if untreated, to weakness, painful joints, abnormal heartbeat and neurological problems, like paralysis and dementia.
It can be treated with antibiotics if caught early enough, though it is a matter of debate whether drugs have much effect late in the course of the illness.
Dr. Artsob said established populations of Lyme-carrying ticks have been identified in Long Point, Rondeau and Turkey Point in southwestern Ontario and around Lunenberg, N.S. Another area in Nova Scotia, Admiral's Cove, is being investigated, as is a part of southeastern Manitoba that had three human cases in a row, he said.
LYME DISEASE IN CANADA
WHAT CAUSES IT A bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi.
HOW HUMANS GET IT Bites from the blacklegged (or deer) or western blacklegged tick, usually when walking through vegetation. The tick contracts the disease from mice and other small animals.
WHERE LYME-CARRYING TICKS LIVE IN CANADA Known populations in Lunenberg, N.S., and southwestern Ontario communities of Rondeau, Long Point and Turkey Point.
THE SYMPTOMS Many patients develop a circular rash, which can be followed by flu-like symptoms. If untreated, that can be followed by migraines, weakness, abnormal heartbeat and neurological symptoms.
HOW IT IS TREATED With antibiotics.
HOW TO PREVENT LYME If spending time in wooded areas that might be tick infested, wear long sleeves and long pants and spray clothing and skin with insect repellant that contains DEET.
