ESU's tick lab gets another half-million for research

East Stroudsburg University’s (ESU) Tick Research Lab will receive another $500,000 from Pennsylvania's 2019-20 budget.

“With the number of tick-related illnesses on the rise here in the Commonwealth, this additional funding makes it possible for our tick research lab to function efficiently, aid researchers in processing tick-tests, providing timely results and improve their marketing efforts,” said PA Rep. Rosemary M. Brown (R-Monroe/Pike).

The lab offers a free base test on ticks submitted for Lyme disease along with three additional tests, based on the species of tick. Pennsylvanians can send tick samples to the lab and receive back the test results. These samples may be mailed to 562 Independence Road, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301.

Public hearing and pending legislation

Brown will host PA Rep. Kathy Rapp (Crawford/Forest/Warren), chair of the House Health Committee, and other committee members for a public hearing at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 9, at the ESU Innovation Center, 562 Independence Road, East Stroudsburg, to discuss Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses and the state’s next steps in combatting this statewide health crisis.

Brown has sponsored two pieces of legislation to help prevent the spread of Lyme disease in Pennsylvania:

House Bill 94 would require school nurses to remove a tick when it is found on a child during the school day, notify the parent or guardian with medical information and resources, and to store the tick for seven days.

House Bill 96 would require physicians to complete two hours of continuing medical education focused on Lyme disease and related tick-borne illnesses to help physicians receive the most up-to-date information on pathogens, testing parameters, patient symptom profiles and current treatment options.

For more information about ESU’s Tick Research Lab and free tick testing, visit ticklab.org.