Title: Supporting the designation of May as "National Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease and Conditions Awareness Month".
Policy area: Health

Summary:
This resolution expresses support for the designation of National Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease and Conditions Awareness Month to increase public knowledge of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases and conditions, raise awareness about the prevention of tick bites, and advance the vision of finding cures through critical research.

[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 412 Introduced in House (IH)]

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116th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 412

  Supporting the designation of May as ``National Lyme and Tick-Borne 
               Disease and Conditions Awareness Month''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                              May 30, 2019

Mrs. Hartzler (for herself, Mr. Smith of New Jersey, Mr. Peterson, and 
 Mr. Sires) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
                 the Committee on Oversight and Reform

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
  Supporting the designation of May as ``National Lyme and Tick-Borne 
               Disease and Conditions Awareness Month''.

Whereas there are an estimated 300,000 new cases of Lyme disease annually, 
        putting undue burden and suffering on countless individuals and 
        families;
Whereas Lyme disease is a rapidly growing epidemic and ticks that transmit Lyme 
        disease are found in half of all United States counties and about 80 
        countries worldwide;
Whereas Lyme disease has no known cure and is difficult to diagnose;
Whereas Lyme disease poses a significant threat to our communities, especially 
        when coupled with other tick-borne illnesses and conditions such as 
        alpha-gal allergy, Babesiosis, Heartland virus, Tularemia, and STARI;
Whereas symptoms are often mistaken for common illnesses but can affect the 
        nervous system, the heart, and joints, leading to arthritic symptoms, 
        paralysis, encephalitis, seizures, and death if left untreated;
Whereas a comprehensive approach utilizing increased education and more research 
        on Lyme and other tick-borne diseases and conditions and their vectors 
        can lead to significant advancements;
Whereas individuals and families should seek out and be aware of best practices 
        for the prevention of tick bites and Lyme and other tick-borne diseases 
        and conditions;
Whereas individuals living in or visiting wooded and other vulnerable areas 
        should check themselves and their loved ones for ticks each day;
Whereas spring marks the beginning of increased tick-bite activity; and
Whereas May would be an appropriate month to designate as ``National Lyme and 
        Tick-Borne Disease and Conditions Awareness Month'': Now, therefore, be 
        it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives supports the 
designation of ``National Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease and Conditions 
Awareness Month'' to increase public knowledge of Lyme and other tick-
borne diseases and conditions, raise awareness about the prevention of 
tick bites, and advance the vision of finding cures through critical 
research.
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