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

Bill: 117-hres-425
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Hartzler, Vicky [R-MO-4]
Introduced: 2021-05-20
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Commemorative events and holidays

Health promotion and preventive care

Infectious and parasitic diseases

Medical research
Latest action: action_date: 2021-05-20
text: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.

Summaries:
action_date: 2021-05-20
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p>This resolution expresses support for the designation of National Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease and Conditions Awareness Month.</p>

tv_txt: IV 117th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 425 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 20, 2021 Mrs. Hartzler (for herself, Mr. Fitzpatrick , Mr. Smith of New Jersey , Ms. Stefanik , and Mr. Steube ) 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 476,000 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

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.