HR1287 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1287 LRB099 21926 GRL 49008 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Lyme disease is a bacterial infection primarily transmitted by ticks that are typically found in wooded and grassy areas; and

WHEREAS, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 300,000 people are diagnosed with Lyme disease in the United States every year; and

WHEREAS, Diagnosing Lyme disease can be difficult and many people who actually have Lyme disease may be misdiagnosed with other conditions, leading experts to believe the true number of cases is much higher; and

WHEREAS, Lyme disease affects people of all ages; the Center for Disease Control notes that it is most common in children, older adults, and others such as firefighters and park rangers, who spend time in outdoor activities and have higher exposure to ticks; and

WHEREAS, Lyme disease is often referred to as "The Great Imitator", because its symptoms mimic many other diseases; and

WHEREAS, Lyme disease can affect any organ of the body, including the brain and nervous system, muscles, joints, and the heart; and

WHEREAS, Patients with Lyme disease are frequently misdiagnosed thereby delaying treatment while the underlying infection progresses; and

WHEREAS, Lyme disease is found all across the United States, with a particularly high incidence in the Midwest; and

WHEREAS, Lyme disease rates have increased significantly over time in part because of disease spread, but it is also likely that the increased rates reflect growing public awareness of the disease; and

WHEREAS, Nationwide, May is recognized as Lyme Disease Awareness Month; activists throughout the United States use it as an opportunity to organize walks, 5K runs, showings of Lyme documentaries, and other events to help educate the public and raise funds for research; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate May of 2016 as "Lyme Disease Awareness Month" in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the Governor of Illinois and all other constitutional officers in order to raise awareness of Lyme disease.