Markell signs Lyme disease measure

Holding a map showing the prevalence of Lyme disease in Delaware that places a point for reported cases, Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf said it’s hard to even see the state line.

“It looks like someone spoiled an ink blotter,” he said Rehoboth’s Democratic speaker of the house during the signing of House Bills 290 and 291 at The Point in Cape Henlopen State Park Aug. 29.

Besides the debilitating disease itself, the problem, said Schwartzkopf, is the disease doesn’t receive national attention because it really only affects the original 13 colonies. It has to affect everybody to get national attention, he said.

The signing of the two bills by Gov. Jack Markell culminates work of the Delaware Lyme Disease Task Force, created in 2014. Schwartzkopf and Sen. Ernie Lopez, R-Lewes, were its co-chairs.

According to the task force’s June 2015 report, Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. Typical symptoms include fatigue, fever and headache. Newly diagnosed patients generally are treated with a course of antibiotics. Without treatment, the infection can damage the joints, heart and central nervous system, resulting in meningitis, temporary facial paralysis and impaired muscle function. Even with treatment, a number of patients will experience chronic symptoms.

HB 290 is related to tick control. It amends the powers and duties of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control by granting it the authority to address tick mitigation as recommended by the task force.

The group recommended the development of a statewide, science-based integrated pest management strategy incorporating acaricide use, biological controls, management of tick-host animals and backyard habitat management.

HB 291 creates the Lyme Disease Education Oversight Board, which encourages healthcare professionals to take classes and hospitals to host classes.

Information and education are key, said Schwartzkopf.

House Minority Leader Daniel Short, R-Seaford, was also on the task force. He said work of the task force was already beginning, noting two billboards during his hour-long drive to the state park that warn visitors of the ticks and the disease. Those billboards weren’t there not too long ago, he said.