Story perspectives

Expert Warns of Chronic Lyme Misdiagnosis Amid Vaccine Trials

9/4/2025

Summary

Story summary

Jake Scott, an infectious disease specialist, highlights misconceptions about "chronic Lyme disease" and advocates for validated testing and evidence-based treatment.
Misdiagnosis of chronic Lyme is rising, particularly in California, due to misinformation and unvalidated tests.
The CDC states that 5-10% of treated Lyme patients have lingering symptoms from inflammation, not ongoing infection.
The new Lyme vaccine VLA15 is in Phase 3 trials, designed to prevent autoimmune issues.
Tick-borne diseases increased by 25% nationally from 2011 to 2019, with notable rises in babesiosis in the Northeast.

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Story summary

Jake Scott, an infectious disease specialist, highlights misconceptions about "chronic Lyme disease" and advocates for validated testing and evidence-based treatment.
Misdiagnosis of chronic Lyme is rising, particularly in California, due to misinformation and unvalidated tests.
The CDC states that 5-10% of treated Lyme patients have lingering symptoms from inflammation, not ongoing infection.
The new Lyme vaccine VLA15 is in Phase 3 trials, designed to prevent autoimmune issues.
Tick-borne diseases increased by 25% nationally from 2011 to 2019, with notable rises in babesiosis in the Northeast.