Meeting of the Lyme Disease Support Group of San Mateo County

Entomology Report March 2006, San Mateo County Mosquito Abatement District

Vector Ecologist, Chindi Peavey, Assistant Vector Ecologist, Angie Nakano, and Trustee, Valentina Cogoni (Menlo Park), represented the district at a meeting of the San Mateo County Lyme Disease Support Group on March 14 at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View. This support group provides guest speakers, education, medical information and moral support to those who are affected by Lyme disease. District staff gave an overview of district activities to protect and inform the public about Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases in the area. The patient group voiced questions and concerns on a number of related topics from tick research and the functions of Mosquito Abatement and other County Health organizations to their frustrations in obtaining medical care for various Lyme Disease symptoms. From this lively discussion, the patient group came to a clearer understanding of the Mosquito Abatement District’s role in monitoring disease risks. District representatives gained more insight into the disease from the perspective of the patients, as well as new ideas on how to more effectively educate the public.