Jeffrey Engel

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