Paul Auwaerter, MD, MBA, FIDSA, President, IDSA
The Vital Signs report data released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show significant increases in vector-borne diseases in the United States highlighting the need for improved strategies to protect patients and public health. Infectious diseases physicians are on the frontlines providing expert care for patients with vector-borne diseases, leading public health responses, and conducting research for new vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments. The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) recognizes that vector-borne diseases such as Lyme disease and Zika virus disease can devastate patients and their families, causing significant suffering. Time and again, we see patients seeking care that will help ease their suffering. Like our patients, we are looking for answers too. With the best interest of patients in mind, IDSA is committed to promoting the best approaches for prevention, timely and accurate diagnosis, and evidence-based care of all vector-borne diseases.
IDSA is already taking steps to address this serious issue. We urge Congress to provide increased funding for surveillance and prevention of vector-borne diseases, including resources to support research on the most effective methods for preventing tick-borne infections. We are also investigating how climate change may impact the spread of vector-borne diseases so that we can take appropriate actions to protect public health. We also advocate for federal investments in the research and development of new vaccines to prevent Zika, Lyme disease, and other serious vector-borne diseases.
While all possible efforts must be made to prevent vector-borne diseases, we also wish to ensure rapid, accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment for patients who are sickened. We support boosting resources for research and development leading to improved diagnostics for Lyme disease and other vector-borne diseases by the National Institutes of Health and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority. We also support funding for research to understand better how to safely and effectively treat symptoms that persist in some patients following initial antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease.