Yale doctor: New vaccine for Lyme disease shows promise
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — A potential breakthrough in treating Lyme disease with a possible vaccine is on the horizon.
The disease and others are spread by tick bites.
'The deer tick transmits Lyme disease, babesoisis, anaplasmosis are the three main ones,' Dr. Eugene Shapiro, professor at Yale School of Medicine, said.He says cases of Lyme disease have nearly doubled in the last 20 years. Now, new promise in a preventative vaccine that works after a tick bites.'The people who are immunized develop antibodies,' Shapiro said. 'The tick feeds on it (cut to) their blood with the antibodies goes into the tick. It kills the bacteria in the tick.'The National Institutes of Health reports about a half a million cases of tick borne infections each year.Lyme disease is the most common. Shapiro says a rash develops seven to 14 days after a tick bite, and some will develop symptoms such as facial nerve palsy, meningitis, carditis, inflammation of the heart and Lyme arthritis.
Caught early, Lyme disease is treatable with antibiotics, but it's important to take precautions avoid being bit.
Experts advise wearing repellent, wear light colored clothing and do a thorough tick check after being outside.
This vaccine has been a possibility for decades and could finally be approved later this year. In early trials it has shown to be effective. Other vaccines for tick-borne diseases are also being worked on.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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