North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Division of Public Health Epidemiology Section
1902 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-l902
Tel 919-733-3421 Fax 919-733-0195
Michael F. Easley, Governor Carmen Hooker Odom, Secretary
August 19, 2005
Mr. Curt Ellis
North Carolina Board of Medical Examiners
Via facsimile 326-1130
Dear Mr. Ellis:
Attached to this letter is a letter and associated documentation from Dr. C. Ben Beard of
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. I asked the CDC to provide this letter and
documentation following a telephone conversation initiated by the CDC to my office over their
concerns regarding the practice of the Jemsek Clinic in Huntsrsville, NC. Apparently patients
are seen from around the country at this clinic for specialized care for Lyme Disease.
My office is responsible for the reporting, surveillance, and control of communicable
diseases in North Carolina, including Lyme Disease which is a mandatory physician reported
illness in the state (l0A NCAC 4lA .0101). The CDC documents provided are concerning to the
public health as they indicate:
l. Misinformation to patients on the sexual and vertical transmission of Lyme Disease,
2. Reports of prolonged parenteral antibiotic administration, and
3. Use of blood and urine tests that are not considered standard of care.
Because these patients were seen from out of state, it is difficult for my office to trace
these activities. Only a federal agency such as the CDC could collect these data.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and please let me know if I can be of further
assistance.
Jeffrey Engel, M.D.
State Epidemiologist and Head, General Communicable Disease Control
cc Mr, Chris Hoke, Chief, Legal and Regulatory Affairs, Division of Public Health
Location 225 North McDowell Street Cooper Building Raleigh, N. C. 27603 An Equal Opportunity Employer