Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Lyme Disease Might Be More Widespread Than Thought

Experts say Lyme disease is likely underdiagnosed in Kentucky in part because it's so rarely seen in the state. The number of cases is rising nationally, but just five cases were reported in Kentucky in each of the past two years.

Mike Schardein, a health policy specialist for the state's Department of Public Health, believes there are several case that haven't been confirmed because doctors don't test for it.

Lyme disease is spread by the black-legged deer tick, which is rarely seen in Kentucky.

Greater Louisville Medical Society spokeswoman Ellen Hale says the organization is drafting a policy on how to treat possible Lyme disease cases. She says there's a "gray area" surrounding them because information from the state says the disease doesn't exist in Kentucky.