With thousands of people suffering from the effects of Lyme disease — and thousands of new cases being reported each year — we are glad to see national attention being focused on the issue.

A group of federal senators and representatives have proposed legislation that would establish an advisory committee of researchers, patient advocates and agencies, and coordinate support for developing better diagnostic tests, surveillance and research.

“The tick problem is growing. The Lyme disease problem is growing,” said Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., a co-sponsor of the bill in the Senate. “This requires resources.”

It sure does.

More than 150,000 cases of the tickborne disease — named for the Connecticut town in which it was discovered — have been reported since 1982, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control.

Lyme disease is transmitted through the bites of infected deer ticks. The bacteria typically manifests itself first as a rash — that sometimes looks like a bull’s eye centered on the tick bite — and then as an infection, accompanied by fever, headaches, muscle and joint pain and fatigue.

Most people recover with antibiotics, although some symptoms can persist. If left untreated, the infection can cause arthritis or spread to the heart and nervous system.

Some people, even after traditional treatment for Lyme disease, have reported the recurrence of persistent symptoms, including arthritis, fatigue and neurological disorders, called chronic Lyme disease. The state of Rhode Island recognizes chronic Lyme disease and requires insurers to cover the cost of its treatment.

That was an important step, as the symptoms of Lyme disease and its treatment have been the subject of controversy for years. Each year, patients go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, or even worse, are told that their symptoms are “all in their head.” This has to stop, so advances can be made in diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

“The key with the bill is to get everyone in the room, get all of the best available science and then aggressively attack this hideous disease that has ruined so many lives,” said Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., the sponsor of the House bill, who has pushed similar legislation in the past.

If approved, the legislation ultimately would result in more federal money aimed at Lyme disease, Reed said, which would benefit organizations and services such as TickEncounter Resource Center, run by the University of Rhode Island’s Center for Vector- Borne Disease.

“We’re really looking for ways to sustain these activities,” said Thomas Mather, a professor and director of the URI center. “Mostly what’s needed are more resources.”

In addition to resources, education and awareness are key. We are glad to see a Rhode Island member of Congress helping to lead that charge.

— The Newport (R.I.) Daily News