How Hunting Can Curb Lyme Disease, Part 1
If
you have personal experience with Lyme disease, you probably know that
it’s no joke. And it’s only now that we’re understanding how widespread
it is. As recently as August 12, 2015, the Centers for Disease Control
revealed: “Government researchers say the tick-borne infection affects
about 10 times as many Americans as previously indicated by confirmed
case reports.” Instead of 30,000 cases a year, the CDC now believes
329,000 may be more accurate. Some authorities argue that even that
number is lower than the true infection rate. Lyme disease, especially
in its advanced stages, can be hard to diagnose because it mimics other
maladies. It can be harder still to treat and is not always curable. I
know because Michelle has an advanced case. She spent a year on a
cocktail of heavy-duty antibiotics. It diminished her stamina, memory,
and the kinds of physical activity she can engage in without pain. It
has already cost us thousands for specialists and medications not
covered by insurance. It will likely continue to do so because she is
not yet cured and may never be. (Incidentally, the girl is tougher than I
am and will not be pleased that I’m disclosing this. I’m risking that
because I believe that people need to know more about Lyme.)
Field & Stream · 895 partages · 18 août 2015
