Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A petition rapidly approaching 35,000 signatures in support of the recognition of Lyme disease in Australia has been presented to the Minister for Health Sussan Ley.
Adam Curtis began the petition in May out of frustration from watching his partner, Michelle, suffer from Lyme-like symptoms.
Mr Curtis read Mount Beauty woman Yvonne Evans’ story and said the costs and losses associated with the illness were something he had experienced first hand.
He sent the petition to Ms Ley on November 10 and said he received a reply after her department was contacted by The Border Mail.
“The petition is to maintain the pressure and raise awareness,” he said.
“We have 6500 comments and some amazing stories.
“I reading them and felt an obligation to keep it going.”
The petition began prior to the establishment of a senate inquiry into Lyme-like disease which passed unopposed on November 12.
Although things have changed, Mr Curtis said he felt it was important to continue giving a voice to sufferers.
“ Part of our personal frustration is the fact she can't get a disability pension because she 'appeared' well at the interview and that Lyme-like disease is not recognized in Australia,” he said.
“We want doctors to be allowed to treat Lyme and to recognise tests from overseas.
“ My partner has been tested in Germany and the US which came back positive for Lyme and she was bitten by a tick in Victoria.
“We showed doctors the results from overseas and they said it wasn't real because you can't get it in Australia.
“The costs and the things you need to do, you spend everything on it just to get 20 per cent better.”
The Australian Government Department of Health stated it is aware some patients in Australia have developed symptoms that are similar to those of Lyme disease.
However, despite research, a causative agent and a vector for Lyme disease had not yet been identified conclusively in Australia.
Ms Ley said she had heard from several concerned people regarding Lyme disease.
“I understand and sympathise with the concerns of people and their families who are suffering from a chronic debilitating illness,” Ms Ley said.
“But it must be up to the patient and their treating doctor to decide on an appropriate diagnosis and treatment.”
The petition is ongoing and can be found at www.change.org.