ILADS Contributes Clinical Expertise to HHS National Lyme Disease Roundtable, “Invisible Illness”

International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society Offers Medical Expertise at U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Lyme Disease Roundtable

WASHINGTON., December 16th 2025 – The International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) participated today in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) National Lyme Disease Roundtable titled Invisible Illness–Leading the Way with Lyme Disease, contributing clinical and scientific perspectives to Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

Eboni Cornish, President-Elect of ILADS, said, “As a physician of faith, I stood for Lyme patients at HHS. The work is ongoing, and the voices must not fade. The Lyme Disease Roundtable reinforced what clinicians see every day: Lyme disease is complex, underdiagnosed, and deeply impactful. Continued collaboration between frontline physicians, researchers, and federal agencies is essential to advancing care and restoring hope for patients..”

The HHS roundtable connected federal health leaders, clinicians, researchers, patient advocates, and public health stakeholders to address ongoing challenges in Lyme disease early diagnosis, treatment,  patient care approaches and federal priorities for Lyme disease. ILADS representatives emphasized the need for patient-centered approaches, improved clinical education, and recognition of persistent symptoms experienced by many individuals following tick-borne infections.

Sarah Quillen, Executive Director of ILADS, shares, “ILADS strongly supports the HHS Lyme Disease Roundtable and welcomes this long-overdue federal engagement with the realities faced by Lyme disease patients and clinicians. For decades, patients have been marginalized and critical scientific questions left unresolved. ILADS is committed to working with HHS and all stakeholders to advance diagnostics, research, and clinician education so patient suffering is met with urgent, evidence-driven action.”

During the roundtable, ILADS emphasized significant gaps in existing diagnostic tools, the wide variability in how Lyme disease presents in patients, and the need for clinician discretion in treatment decisions. The organization highlighted the growing public health impact of Lyme disease in the United States, as both geographic spread and case numbers continue to rise, with an estimated five to seven million Americans infected over the past decade. HHS also announced the renewal of the LymeX Innovation Accelerator in partnership with the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation. LymeX represents the largest public-private partnership to date focused on improving Lyme disease diagnostics and patient care. Roundtable participants included ILADS member and former ILADS President  Robert Bransfield, who spoke during the discussion and shared clinical insights.

“Today marks a historic tipping point for the acknowledgment of this devastating disease, foreshadowing change for the millions suffering with chronic Lyme infection,” said Nikki Schultek, a ILADEF Board Member.  “We aim for enhancing disease prevention and awareness for patients, physician education and federal investment that leads to better tests and treatment.”

ILADS remains committed to advancing education, research, and evidence-based clinical guidance related to Lyme disease and associated conditions. The organization looks forward to continued collaboration with HHS and other partners to improve awareness, care, and support for patients nationwide. ILADS strongly support physicians, scientists, researchers and other healthcare professionals dedicated to advancing the standard of care for Lyme and associated diseases.

For more information – contact@ilads.org.