Resident gets ticked off by government inaction
In Canada, if a dog contacts Lyme disease, it has a far better chance of receiving timely diagnosis and treatment, whereas humans have to scramble to the U.S, says Marlene Spies, a Brampton Lyme disease patient. Canadians travel to the south of the border as “protocol tests” in Canada are not sensitive enough. Even though there are many strains of the Lyme bacteria, the testing here is done for one strain of one species only. “You know what? dogs can be tested, treated and vaccinated for Lyme disease, but humans can’t,” said Spies. “People have told me they are probably going to die before they get well.” Spies, who has been spearheading advocacy and awareness campaigns since she was infected in 2007 wants the community to join and support the annual Lyme Disease Awareness Day: Walk/stroll/run/support taking place Saturday, May 18 at Chinguacousy Park located at 9050 Bramalea Rd. at 9:30 a.m. The walk will kick off at 11 a.m.