I have had chronic Lyme disease and co-infections for approximately 20 years (I was exposed in 1996 but had no characteristic bull’s-eye rash). Fall is here, and ticks will be looking for more hosts to hide out for the cold months.

I advocate for prevention and to notify the public that ticks are not the only means of transmitting these tick-borne illnesses: The bacterium that causes Lyme may also be sexually transmitted. Sadly enough, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines do not mention this.

There is also evidence that newborns can be born with tick-borne illnesses. More education, testing methods and treatment options need to be available for Lyme patients. We also need insurers to get on board.

I am in debt. I am on disability and cannot afford the herbal remedies I need to treat my infections. My fees per month for the regimen I have to use are over $500. Legislation needs to be passed to have insurers cover expenses for all of our treatments, whether Western medicine-related or integrative.

U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree is the only member of Maine’s congressional delegation who has responded to my inquiries; she agrees that all of my treatments should be covered. U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King have not.

Chellie mentioned two laws passed in 2015 (HR 665 and HR 6). Both will work with committees to address these issues; however, not much has been seen from the CDC and the Infectious Diseases Society to address these issues. Outdated treatment protocols need to be addressed, as do testing methods. I only pray for myself and others to have our lawmakers realize the serious epidemic we have on hand. The financial news website 24/7 Wall St. reported recently that Maine has the highest rate of Lyme infection in the country.

Maureen Foley-Bolling

Nobleboro

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