Guthrie chosen to conduct clinical trial of Lyme disease vaccine, seeking participates

(WBNG) -- Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that can cause serious long-term symptoms if left untreated.

Currently, there are no approved vaccines available to prevent Lyme disease in exposed populations. But since the Southern Tier experiences a high positivity rate for the disease, Guthrie has been chosen as one of 12 healthcare organizations nationwide to conduct a clinical trial for the vaccine.

Now, the hospital said it is looking for children over the age of 5 and adults who live in places or participate in activities that increase their risk for Lyme disease to volunteer in the trial.

“Lyme is devastating to the people who get it,” said Guthrie Dr. Victor Kolade.”I think its a huge concern to people who have seen other people get it and if this happens, and we have a way to prevent this, then people don’t have to worry about it season over season people are exposed to tick bites so this is a huge benefit if we get a vaccine.”

If you are interested in participating, call 1-800-836-0388 or email clinical.research@guthrie.org.