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

IV 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 com- munities, especially when coupled with other tick-borne illnesses and conditions such as alpha-gal allergy, Babesiosis, Heartland virus, Tularemia, and STARI; VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:13 May 31, 2019 Jkt 089200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HR412.IH HR412 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42 with BILLS 2 •HRES 412 IH Whereas symptoms are often mistaken for common illnesses but can affect the nervous system, the heart, and joints, leading to arthritic symptoms, paralysis, encephalitis, sei- zures, and death if left untreated; Whereas a comprehensive approach utilizing increased edu- cation and more research on Lyme and other tick-borne diseases and conditions and their vectors can lead to sig- nificant 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 ac- tivity; 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 1 the designation of ‘‘National Lyme and Tick-Borne Dis- 2 ease and Conditions Awareness Month’’ to increase public 3 knowledge of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases and con- 4 ditions, raise awareness about the prevention of tick bites, 5 and advance the vision of finding cures through critical 6 research. 7 Æ VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:13 May 31, 2019 Jkt 089200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6301 E:\BILLS\HR412.IH HR412 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42 with BILLS