Find out about Lyme disease

An invitation to attend Lyme Disease Action’s 2014 conference on Saturday 5 July 2014 at Surrey University

UK charity Lyme Disease Action  invites the public, medical professionals and media alike to attend the 2014 Tick Borne Diseases Conference at the University of Surrey, Guildford. This year’s conference will focus on advancing knowledge of UK uncertainties in diagnosis.

Why should you attend?

• Lyme disease is little-known amongst the general public and the medical profession, yet is prevalent in many areas of the UK – from countryside to urban parks and gardens. Difficult to diagnose, but easy to treat in the early stages, Lyme disease is caused by the bite of an infected tick. Ticks are carried by deer, small mammals (e.g. foxes) and birds.
• Lyme disease is relevant to everyone in the UK and is also very much a local and regional issue in Surrey.
• Learn about Lyme disease and ticks for your own health and safety when travelling in the area, and in the UK generally as well as on overseas holidays.

Confirmed expert speakers for this year’s conference include Dr Tim Brooks from Public Health England and researchers from the University of Surrey, the University of Frankfurt, the University of Huddersfield, the University of Salford and Lund University in Sweden.

Symptoms of Lyme disease

Lyme disease causes a range of unpleasant symptoms which may include a circular red rash, headaches, a stiff neck, extreme fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and disturbances of sight, hearing, digestive system and sleep. If left untreated it can progress to the heart and the nervous system including the brain.

Medical profession attendees

It is hoped that a number of GPs and medical professionals will be able to attend, and medical students, foundation doctors and GP Registrars may receive a refund for their conference fee. For details see website. CPD accreditation will be applied for.

Conference location

The conference will take place at the University of Surrey’s Staghill Campus (Austin Pearce Building), starting at 9.30am with an introduction to the conference from Stella Huyshe-Shires, Chair of Lyme Disease Action. For more information about the conference or to book, visit www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk

Lyme Disease Action (www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk) is a charity striving for greater awareness of Lyme disease and associated tick-borne diseases.

Ends – 2 June 2014

Press:  Issued by Lyme Disease Action’s press office (www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk). Interview opportunities will be available at the conference with patients and trustees, if pre-booked.
For more information, or to speak to Stella Huyshe-Shires, the Chair of Lyme Disease Action, please contact Sue Ockwell via email – press@nulllymediseaseaction.org.uk.