RFK Jr. Convenes National Lyme Disease Roundtable As Maryland Cases Remain High

WASHINGTON — Federal health officials convened a landmark Lyme disease roundtable on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, drawing national attention to a public health issue with direct impact on Maryland communities. Hosted by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the discussion brought together patients, clinicians, researchers, policymakers and advocates to explore strategies for improving diagnostics, treatment and federal support for those affected by Lyme and related tick-borne diseases.

Lyme disease remains one of the most commonly reported tick-borne infections in Maryland, with cases particularly concentrated in suburban and rural counties where wooded areas create ideal habitats for infected ticks. For residents, Lyme disease represents more than a statistic; it is a lived reality that affects families, workplaces and public health systems. Local leaders have emphasized the continuing need for awareness and prevention, with some jurisdictions officially recognizing May as Lyme Disease Awareness Month.

At the roundtable, federal officials announced an expansion of LymeX, a public-private initiative aimed at developing next-generation diagnostics that can detect infection earlier and more accurately. For Marylanders, these improvements could translate into faster diagnosis, earlier treatment and improved long-term outcomes. Officials also highlighted enhancements to Medicare’s Chronic Care Management programs, potentially improving access to coordinated care for those with complex or persistent Lyme-related conditions.

Patient advocacy groups like the Bay Area Lyme Foundation praised the federal focus on research, diagnostics and patient-centered care. Maryland communities stand to benefit directly from these initiatives, with state public health professionals continuing to stress preventive measures and prompt medical attention for suspected bites, especially as longer periods of warm weather increase outdoor exposure.

While participants and partners hailed the roundtable as a critical step forward, stakeholders across the country acknowledge that real progress will require sustained federal support, robust research and continued public health engagement. For a state where Lyme disease has long been a persistent threat, the federal spotlight on diagnostics, treatment and patient care represents both an urgent opportunity and a welcome acknowledgment of the challenges Marylanders face.