"When Robert F. Kennedy Jr. convened a panel on Monday to discuss "chronic Lyme," many leading researchers of the disease were genuinely excited. Kennedy's Department of Health and Human Services promised to allocate more resources to understanding the disease. There was hope, among experts, that this would mean an important new chapter for Lyme research. But there's a problem: Kennedy is a conspiracy theorist with seemingly little understanding of how modern science works."
"The tick bite that transfers the bacteria typically causes an easily identifiable bullseye rash; once spotted, symptoms, which can include fever, headaches, stiffness, and fatigue, can be resolved with a round of antibiotics. The treatment of active Lyme is fairly straightforward. But the aftermath of active Lyme remains a deeply unsettled area of science. A subset of Lyme patients go on to complain of arthritis-like joint pain, fatigue, and neurological issues for years afterward."
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. convened a panel on chronic Lyme and the Department of Health and Human Services pledged more resources to study the condition. Many leading researchers initially felt hopeful that the increased attention would advance understanding. Kennedy has a history of promoting conspiracy theories about Lyme, including claims that the disease was developed as a U.S. military bioweapon and that officials denied Lyme's existence for political reasons. Active Lyme disease is generally identifiable and treatable with antibiotics, often after a bullseye rash and acute symptoms. A subset of patients experience prolonged arthritis-like pain, fatigue, and neurological symptoms; some become severely debilitated or suicidal. The science on post-infection chronic symptoms remains unsettled, making leadership with poor scientific credibility particularly problematic.
Read at Slate Magazine
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