Tina J. Garcia

544 South Solomon

Mesa, Arizona  85204

480-570-5178

April 7, 2006

Mr. Craig Levy

Office of Infectious Disease Services

Arizona Department of Health Services

150 North 18^th Avenue, Suite 140

Phoenix, Arizona  85007

            Re:      Tick and Rodent Testing for Borrelia Burgdorferi in Arizona

Dear Mr. Levy:

            In our telephone conversation of April 5, 2006, I did not have my notes in front of me and I forgot to ask you a few questions.          

            1.  At the time of the tick and rodent studies, there were no reported cases of Borrelia

                 burgdorferi infection having originated in the state of Arizona.  What prompted the

                 testing from the early 1980’s to the early 1990’s in the first place and who directed

                 that the testing be done?

            2.  Who at the CDC conducted the testing and provided the verbal results to you?

            3.  Have tick and vector studies for Borrelia burgdorferi been conducted yearly?

                 Please provide the exact number of studies that have been conducted in Arizona

                 and the exact dates of each Borrelia burgdorferi tick and vector study.

            4.  Please provide the reason no studies have been conducted since 1992.

            5.  Who would be responsible for directing that these studies be undertaken?

            Enclosed is a copy of my most recent letter to Dr. Victorio Vaz at the ADHS with enclosures.  Thank you in advance for your prompt response.

                                                                                    Sincerely,

                                                                                    Tina J. Garcia

TJG

Enclosures