Response- Pfenninger- Michigan

Letter to the Editor of the Midland Daily News

A Michigan Newspaper

In response to: A Word from Dr. Pfenninger about Lyme Disease: Are you ticked off about ticks?

Dr. John L. Pfenninger for the Daily News-

Updated 7:00 am, Wednesday, August 16, 2017

August 16, 2017

Dear Editor,

Your article- "A Word from Dr. Pfenninger about Lyme Disease: Are you ticked off about ticks?" by Dr. John L. Pfenninger is a perfect example of why there are so many people in Michigan suffering with, and some even dying from, chronic Lyme disease.

There is so much bad advice in it that it actually increases the risk of acquiring Lyme disease rather doing anything to prevent it. The author used ancient references (11 year old guidelines vs. the ONLY guidelines approved for use, published in 2014) and disproven myths (debunked theories) as the basis for this attempt to educate or attract business to his practice.

This kind of advise is the reason why "Lyme literate" doctors are in such great demand, people are being misdiagnosed and one reason health care costs are so high. It is scary to think this was published in 2017 when everyone should know better, especially a doctor!

Lucy Barnes, Director

Lyme Disease Education & Support Groups of Maryland