McLean, VA - Delegate Barbara Comstock (34-VA) released the following statement recognizing May as Lyme Disease Awareness Month in the Commonwealth:

"Now that the weather is getting warmer, it is important to be mindful of this health issue and growing epidemic in our area.  Back in 2011, I passed a resolution in the House of Delegates to permanently designate May as Lyme Disease Awareness Month in Virginia.   

"In 2012, the General Assembly passed my bill, the Lyme Disease Testing Information Disclosure Act, which is a major milestone in the fight against Lyme Disease.  Virginia is now first state to notify anyone tested for Lyme that current laboratory testing can produce false negatives, especially in the early stage of the disease.  Passage of this legislation continues to be important to so many of my constituents who have Lyme Disease or have someone in their life who suffers from this disease.  So often, patients go undiagnosed for months and even years.  With passage of this legislation, we are now able to focus on getting information about testing problems directly to patients so they can seek additional testing if necessary, as well as appropriate treatment. 

"I'm continuously encouraged by advances in science and testing for Lyme Disease.  Researchers from George Mason University's Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine (CAPMM) and business partner Ceres Nanoscience have been working on a new technology that will dramatically improve the detection of Lyme Disease at much earlier stages. I am also grateful for organizations like The National Capital Lyme Disease Association and the work that they do on a daily basis for all of our neighbors, family and friends who are affected by this debilitating disease. I'm committed to continuing to work with the community and other elected officials to address this problem and I'm proud of the work we've accomplished thus far."