Archive for the ‘Lyme’ Category

How Ticks Became Bioweapons

https://spectator.com/article/how-ticks-became-bioweapons/

How ticks became bioweapons

By Kris Newby

1/19/26

On December 18 last year, Donald Trump signed into law an order to “review and report on biological weapons experiments on and in relation to ticks [and] tick-borne diseases.” The investigation is long overdue but even so, the facts it uncovers will come as a shock to many. A growing body of evidence shows that during the Cold War ticks were tinkered with and used as delivery mechanisms for biological warfare agents. And these weaponized ticks may have been released both intentionally and unintentionally on an unsuspecting public by the US military.

Ticks and the diseases they transmit (such as Lyme) pose a growing threat to Americans, the military and to agriculture. Record numbers of tick bites have been reported in New York (in 2024), Maine (in 2024), and Wisconsin (in 2023). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates approximately 500,000 new cases of Lyme disease annually. About one-third of patients do not respond to recommended treatment protocols.

Bioweapons specialists infected ticks with pathogens to cause disabilityand death to potential enemies

If these microbes have been genetically altered, we need to know. If the military harmed civilians through irresponsible experiments, the government has an obligation to acknowledge and remedy those harms. And if the original outbreak near Lyme, Connecticut, in the 1970s resulted from a hostile foreign act, future biosecurity protections must be strengthened. Knowing the root cause of an epidemic is vital in developing treatment strategies, containing the outbreaks and preventing future ones. And then there’s the issue of what else ticks may be carrying. (See link for article)

____________

**Comment**

Sadly, Newby propitiates the ‘climate change’ myth regarding tick and disease proliferation.  This is a key point as there are only so many research dollars which are highly sought after.  By perpetuating a myth, we purposely limit those funds even further by funding research that has already been proven false.

The article does, however, go through the chronology of tick research as well as the fact researchers dropped these infected ticks on unsuspecting populations (Operation Mongoose, etc.)

Important excerpt:

….documents obtained by the CIA during the Cold War showed that the Soviets were conducting bioweapons-related experiments on ticks, including exploring ways to get ticks to reproduce more rapidly, selectively crossbreeding tick species so they could carry disease agents that caused tick-borne encephalitis and dropping infected ticks from aircraft and balloons. Intelligence reports on “entomological warfare” stoked fear and paranoia in the Pentagon, and the Cold War bug-borne weapons race began.

For more:

 

Category:

Activism, Lyme, Ticks

Lyme Disease & Health Care Costs

https://www.change.org/p/the-us-senate-calling-for-a-congressional-investigation-of-the-cdc-idsa-and-aldf/

Lyme Disease and Health Care Costs

(Deny, deny, deny those claims! You might want to read this.)

Carl TuttleHudson, NH, United States

Jan 18, 2026

Letter to the editor of JAMA Network Open:

———- Original Message ———-
From: CARL TUTTLE <runagain@comcast.net>
To: “eli-perencevich@uiowa.edu” <eli-perencevich@uiowa.edu>, “eli.perencevich@jamanetwork.org” <eli.perencevich@jamanetwork.org>
Cc: “sfihn@uw.edu” <sfihn@uw.edu>, “jamanetworkopen@jamanetwork.org” <jamanetworkopen@jamanetwork.org>, “stephan.fihn@jamanetwork.org” <stephan.fihn@jamanetwork.org>
Date: 01/15/2026 3:16 PM EST
Subject: Lyme Disease and Health Care Costs; JAMA Network Open

JAMA Network Open

Lyme Disease and Health Care Costs
John J. Halperin, MD   January 14, 2026
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2843880

Conclusions and Relevance  

“In this retrospective cohort study, LD presented a large financial burden to the health care system and patients, especially for those with disseminated disease. These findings highlight the need for effective preventive measures to reduce costs for patients and the health care system.”

Eli N. Perencevich, MD, MS
Editor in Chief, JAMA Network Open

Dear Dr. Perencevich,

Halperin’s publication just validated what the plaintiffs were claiming from the TORREY v. IDSA racketeering lawsuit; it became too expensive to treat “disseminated disease” (chronic Lyme) so insurance companies were denying claims for treatment beyond the one-size-fits-all IDSA treatment guideline. It should be no surprise that all eight insurance companies immediately settled out of court.

TORREY v. IDSA court document
https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/LymeDisease.pdf

This refusal to reimburse has played a pivotal role in the high rates of suicide within the Lyme disease community.

1. Suicide and Lyme and associated diseases
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5481283/

2. TOUCHED BY LYME: The thorny question of (no) insurance coverage for Lyme
https://www.lymedisease.org/touched-by-lyme-the-thorny-question-of-no-insurance-coverage-for-lyme

So now we’re calling it “disseminated disease?”  Lyme disease is a systemic infectious disease; is there localized syphilis or localized leptospirosis?

Questions to Google’s Gemini AI:

1. Does a chronic relapsing seronegative disease fit the vaccine model?

AI Response:

A chronic, relapsing, seronegative disease does not fit the traditional vaccine model, which is primarily designed to prevent initial infections. The characteristics you describe present significant scientific and commercial challenges for vaccine developers.

2. Since you agreed that a chronic, relapsing, seronegative disease does not fit the traditional vaccine model, this in and of itself would be the motivation to conceal any and all evidence of persistent infection wouldn’t you agree? This so-called debate is not a debate at all and deserves a criminal investigation. Who would be a suitable candidate to approach for a legal case?

AI Response: 

Allegations of medical fraud are typically handled as civil matters, but they can become criminal if there is evidence of gross negligence, recklessness, or intent to deceive, especially for financial gain.

Dr. Perencevich,

I want to make this crystal clear… Suppressing evidence of antibiotic resistance is not collaboration; it is collusion.

1. Peer-Reviewed Evidence of Persistence of Lyme Disease Spirochete
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S7ynlfLzmNCjKpPHQuVsa0-pmG-7nf23/view

The following is a list of over 700 peer-reviewed articles that support the evidence of persistence of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. It is organized into different categories—general, neuropsychiatric, dementia and congenital transmission.

2. Seronegativity in Lyme borreliosis and Other Spirochetal Infections 16 September 2003
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ycqvn5swemanpjau3le2y/Seronegativity.pdf?rlkey=70bkain5zukjadnyeksvmsc96&dl=0

“If false results are to be feared, it is the false negative result”

3. Congenital Transmission of Lyme
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ybo7c29xr2rjvtpxjh6gd/Congenital-Transmission-of-Lyme.pdf?rlkey=4p1u28pffoe7lofhvxgiowpxw&dl=0

I have spent the last fifteen years exposing the Lyme disease false public health narrative and have been published in the Lancet Infectious Diseases, The BMJ, Arthritis and Rheumatology and JAMA. I can say with absolute certainty that it was the rush to create a vaccine that led to the deliberate mishandling of the disease. And here we have a publication funded by the next Lyme vaccine manufacturer and one of the defendants named in the racketeering lawsuit. I rest my case.

Respectfully Submitted,

Carl Tuttle
Independent Researcher
Hudson, NH

Letter to the Editor of the BMJ published June 2020 
https://www.bmj.com/content/369/bmj.m1041/rr-1

Cc: Stephan D. Fihn, MD, MPH
Executive Deputy Editor

_______________

For more:

Category:

Activism, Lyme, research

Treating Lyme & TBDs on a Budget With Herbs

Webinar: Treating Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases on a Budget

Date: Wednesday, March 18

Time: 6:00-7:00 PM ET

Presenter: Teresa Holler, MS, PA-C, FMAPS

Free to ILADS members/$49 for non-members

Register Here

Description:

Teresa will discuss a simple, effective, and well researched approach to utilizing herbals in the management of Lyme disease, bartonella, and babesia. Participants will leave the presentation with treatment options that are easy to implement.

Upon completion of Teresa’s presentation, participants will be aware of the following:

• Unique signs and symptoms to help differentiate between borrelia, bartonella, and babesia by history and physical exam
• What causes microbial persistence and how to address these difficulties
• Awareness of clinical studies comparing several antibiotic protocols to herbal products
• Review the properties of the most efficacious herbs for the treatment of Lyme disease, bartonella and babesia.

This webinar will be recorded and sent to all registered attendees.

Available through ILADS

To access the FREE 1.5 hour ILADS December webinar titled “At the Frontlines of Chronic Illness: A Conversation with ILADS Experts”, go here.

It features ILADS panelists:

  • Chris Winfrey, MD
  • Melanie Stein, ND
  • Nicole Bell (Galaxy Diagnostics)
  • Tania Dempsey, MD responding to patient questions

Category:

Activism, Babesia, Bartonella, Herbs, Lyme, Treatment

Eye Pain in Lyme Disease

https://danielcameronmd.com/eye-pain-lyme-disease-eye-exams/

Eye Pain in Lyme Disease: Why It Occurs Despite Normal Eye Exams

Lyme Science Blog

Jan07

Eye Pain in Lyme Disease: Why It Occurs Despite Normal Eye Exams

Posted By: Dr. Daniel Cameron

A Patient Experience

A man with Lyme disease described persistent eye pain and pressure despite repeated normal eye exams. He worried that something serious was being missed, yet ophthalmologic evaluations and imaging were reassuring. The pain fluctuated and worsened with fatigue and stress. Over time, the eye pain gradually improved.

This pattern is one I see frequently in Lyme disease and other post-infectious conditions. In many patients, this type of eye pain reflects a broader pattern of autonomic and neurologic dysregulation  associated with Lyme disease.

In simple terms, the eyes can hurt even when nothing looks wrong because the nerves that carry pain signals become overly sensitive. The problem is not damage to the eye, but how the nervous system is processing sensation.

Eye Pain in Lyme Disease With Normal Eye Exams

Eye pain in Lyme disease is a common but often misunderstood symptom. Patients may describe aching, pressure, stabbing discomfort, or pain behind the eyes, yet ophthalmologic exams, imaging, and vision testing are frequently normal. This disconnect can be confusing for patients and frustrating for clinicians.

A normal eye exam is reassuring because it rules out dangerous eye conditions. However, it does not rule out neurologic, autonomic, or post-infectious mechanisms that can produce very real pain. When eye exams and imaging are normal, this type of pain is rarely a sign of structural eye damage or vision-threatening disease. Patients may describe this as eye strain, eye pressure, or pain behind the eyes rather than sharp eye pain.

Sensory Nerve Involvement in Lyme Disease

The eyes and surrounding structures are richly innervated by sensory branches of the trigeminal nerve. In Lyme disease, immune activation and inflammation can sensitize these nerves, altering how pain signals are transmitted to the brain.

When sensory nerves become hypersensitive, patients may experience eye pain even in the absence of visible injury or structural abnormality. Pain may worsen with eye movement, mental effort, or light exposure. This reflects altered nerve signaling, not damage to the eye itself.

Central Sensitization and Pain Amplification

In some patients with Lyme disease, prolonged illness or repeated inflammatory flares lead to changes in how the brain processes pain. This phenomenon, known as central sensitization, causes the nervous system to amplify sensory input.

Once sensitization develops, normal sensory signals around the eyes may be perceived as painful or overwhelming. This process is biologic and neurologic in nature and does not imply that symptoms are imagined or psychological.

Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation

The autonomic nervous system plays a role in regulating blood flow, pressure sensation, and sensory integration around the eyes. Dysautonomia is well described in Lyme disease and other post-infectious states.

Autonomic dysregulation can produce sensations of pressure, fullness, or discomfort behind the eyes. Patients often notice symptoms worsen with standing, fatigue, dehydration, or stress — patterns that point toward nervous system involvement rather than ocular disease.

Migraine Pathways in Lyme Disease

Migraines do not always present as classic throbbing head pain. In Lyme disease, migraine-like pathways may produce eye-centered pain, pressure, or light sensitivity even when headaches are minimal or absent.

When eye pain responds poorly to eye-directed treatments but fluctuates with sleep, stress, or sensory overload, a neurologic mechanism should be considered. Migraine pathways, autonomic dysfunction, and central sensitization overlap in Lyme disease.

Post-Infectious and Immune-Mediated Mechanisms

After infection, the nervous system may remain in a heightened state of reactivity. In Lyme disease, ongoing immune signaling or residual inflammation can keep sensory pathways sensitized even after initial treatment.

In clinical practice, some patients report improvement in eye pain as their overall condition stabilizes, while others experience a slower post-infectious recovery. Not all patients improve at the same pace.

Why Reassurance Alone Isn’t Enough

Being told that eye exams are normal can feel dismissive when pain persists. Eye pain without visible disease is not imagined. It reflects real changes in how the nervous system processes sensory input.

Understanding the mechanism restores trust and supports more thoughtful evaluation and care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is eye pain in Lyme disease dangerous?
Eye pain is usually not dangerous when eye exams are normal. However, new vision loss, rapidly worsening pain, or focal neurologic symptoms should prompt further evaluation.

Is this an eye disease?
Not usually. In Lyme disease, eye pain most often reflects nerve sensitivity, migraine pathways, or autonomic dysregulation rather than a problem within the eye itself.

Can eye pain improve over time?
In some patients, eye pain improves gradually as nervous system sensitivity decreases. Recovery timelines vary.

Clinical Takeaway

Eye pain despite normal eye exams is a well-recognized manifestation of Lyme disease. It most often reflects neurologic, autonomic, or post-infectious mechanisms rather than structural eye disease. Recognizing this pattern helps prevent unnecessary testing, validates patient experience, and supports more effective care.

Selected Clinical References

Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences Fallon BA, Levin ES, Schweitzer PJ, Hardesty D. The neuropsychiatric manifestations of Lyme borreliosis. 2008;20(2):123–135.

Frontiers in Neurology Adler BL, Vernino S. Dysautonomia following Lyme disease: a key component of post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome? 2024;15:1344862.

Pain Woolf CJ. Central sensitization: implications for the diagnosis and treatment of pain. 2011;152(3 Suppl):S2–S15.

Lancet Neurology Tracey I, Mantyh PW. The cerebral signature for pain perception and its modulation. 2007;6(4):377–391.

Autonomic Neuroscience Vernino S, Bourne KM, Stiles LE, Grubb BP, Fedorowski A, Stewart JM, et al. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS): state of the science and clinical care from a 2019 NIH expert consensus meeting. 2021;235:102828.

For more:

Normally, I associate eye issues with Bartonella, but it’s clear from all the references above, Lyme is a culprit as well:

Category:

Eye Issues, Lyme, Treatment

Cellular Healing Bootcamp Tonight

https://pages.vitalplan.com/bootcamp/?  Go here for video & to sign up

 Free from Lyme and Chronic Illness

Kickoff event: Thursday Jan. 8

Bootcamp: Jan 13-Feb 2

The Cellular Healing Bootcamp includes 21 days of education and encouragement, featuring:

Who is this Bootcamp for?

Anyone living with complex chronic illness (whether or not you have a formal diagnosis), including: Chronic Lyme & co-infections, Fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, Mold toxicity, MCAS, Chronic pain or fatigue, Long COVID & Persistent post-infection symptoms. If you’ve struggled to improve with conventional approaches, this Bootcamp is an excellent place to begin.

Questions we get about our Bootcamp:

“The Bootcamp helped me “re-boot” my efforts and belief that healing is possible.  The information was informative and inspiring.  I’m so grateful!”  – Deb C. 2025 Bootcamp Attendee  

Short daily lessons
Approachable videos + simple action steps from Bill Rawls, MD and the Vital Plan Team

“Every day with the Vital Plan group is helpful!
Very supportive, informative, and encouraging!” – Shelley G.  

About Dr. Bill Rawls

Our Cellular Healing Bootcamp is a free, 21-day, expert-led community experience designed to support true healing by calming the nervous system, supporting detoxification, and restoring health at the cellular level.

Sign Up »

Dr. Bill Rawls
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Vital Plan & RawlsMD

Beth Lambert
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Documenting Hope

Matt & Rich
FOUNDERS 
Tick Boot Camp

Belinda Macri
HEALTH COACH
Vital Plan

Tim Yarborough
CUSTOMER SUCCESS
Vital Plan

• Chronic Lyme & co-infections

• Fibromyalgia

• ME/CFS

• Post-viral syndromes

• Mold toxicity

This bootcamp is virtual, free to join, and is ideal for anyone navigating complex or infection-associated chronic illness, including:

• MCAS, dysautonomia, chronic pain, and fatigue

• Long COVID

• Persistent, unexplained symptoms that haven’t responded to traditional approaches

Herbal support & lifestyle shifts

Our expertise in the therapeutic use of adaptogenic and antimicrobial herbs helps participants understand how herbal therapy, environment, diet, movement, and daily habits work together to shift the healing terrain.

When cellular stress accumulates, low-virulence microbes can become active again, triggering symptoms commonly seen in chronic Lyme and other complex chronic conditions. 

This bootcamp is grounded in the science-based framework developed by Dr. Bill Rawls and offers a holistic, time-tested path toward healing.

True recovery starts by removing the stressors that impair cellular function. The program is built around three essential pillars:

1. CALM
Regulate your nervous system and reduce cellular stress

2. DETOXIFY
Lighten your toxic load and support gut & immune balance

3. RESTORE
Build cellular resilience through herbs, diet, and lifestyle

Community accelerates healing

Doing this work in a supportive community helps reduce isolation, increase confidence, and sustain momentum.

Learn more about the Vital Plan Network.

Live expert events + replays
With guests including Beth Lambert, Tick Boot Camp, and the Vital Plan health coaches

Reflection time & check-ins
Daily prompts, shared insights, gentle accountability, and space for connection.

A dedicated bootcamp space
Inside the Vital Plan Network, accessible on desktop or our mobile app.

Downloadable
Guide
To help you keep focused on core concepts as you progress through the bootcamp.

Kick-off & celebration event
Meet the team, learn how the Bootcamp works, and close the experience with clarity and momentum.

Paulette Biancucci
HEALTH COACH
Vital Plan

Liza Blas
COMMUNITY MANAGER
Vital Plan Network

Where does the Bootcamp take place?

Entirely inside the Vital Plan Network—our private community platform where you can watch lessons, share reflections, and connect with others. Accessible via browser or our mobile app.

What is the Cellular Healing Bootcamp?

A free, 21-day community-based healing program designed to introduce you experientially to the core principles that support recovery from Lyme and other chronic illnesses: calming the nervous system, detoxifying the body, and restoring cellular resilience and freedom from reactivated microbes.

Do I need to attend live events?

Attending live is recommended but not required as much of the bootcamp will take place asynchronously. Replays for live events will be available, including for the Kickoff, expert webinars, and the final celebration.

What if I can’t keep up with daily lessons?

No problem! The content is intentionally short and paced with integration days. You can move at your own rhythm, catch up or skip if you need to.

Do I need any special supplements or tools?

No, just access to the Vital Plan Network via the web or our app.

Is this appropriate for beginners?

Absolutely. The Bootcamp is designed to meet you wherever you are in your recovery.

Can I join if I did last year’s Bootcamp?

Yes! This is our second annual Bootcamp and it includes new content, new lessons, and deeper community integration.

Hosted in the Vital Plan Network

The entire bootcamp takes place inside our private community platform—created by Dr. Rawls and purpose-built for people recovering from chronic illness.

In the Vital Plan Network you’ll find:

  • A dedicated bootcamp space
  • A supportive environment
  • Mentors and health coaches
  • Direct guidance from Dr. Rawls and the VP team
  • Courses, resources, and tools to continue your healing path

We recommend downloading the Vital Plan Network app for the best experience.

Emily Grimes
HEALTH COACH
Vital Plan

Hosted in
The Vital Plan Network

Kickoff Event:

Thursday Jan. 8th

Bootcamp:

Jan. 13th – Feb. 2nd

Category:

Activism, Lyme, Uncategorized