2017 Senate Joint Resolution 45
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: proclaiming May 2017 as Lyme Disease Awareness Month.
Whereas, Lyme disease is a bacterial disease transmitted to humans by an infected tick commonly known as the black-legged or deer tick; and
Whereas, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the disease was first recognized in the United States in 1975 in Lyme, Connecticut; and
Whereas, Lyme disease is the most commonly reported vector-borne illness in the United States, with an estimated 300,000 Americans diagnosed each year, and it is also the highest reported tick-borne disease in Wisconsin, with 38,394 cases reported between 1990 and 2015; and
Whereas, signs and symptoms generally set in after 3-30 days and commonly include a fever, headache, fatigue, and a circular skin rash called erythema migrans (“EM"); and
Whereas, if left untreated, the infection may spread to other parts of the body, producing symptoms that include additional EM lesions, facial or Bell's palsy, severe headaches and neck stiffness, pain and swelling in large joints, fatigue, cognitive decline, shooting pains, and heart palpitations; and
Whereas, although Lyme disease is often difficult to diagnose, the disease can be treated successfully with oral antibiotics, injectable antibiotics, and/or natural antimicrobials if it is detected early; and
Whereas, the best ways to prevent Lyme disease are to avoid wooded and bushy areas with high grass, use repellants with 20 to 30 percent DEET, wear light-colored clothing to cover exposed skin, and check skin thoroughly after being in areas where ticks may be present; and
Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2014, nearly 96 percent of the over 25,359 Lyme disease cases in the United States were reported from only 14 states, with over 2,975 of them reported from the state of Wisconsin; and
Whereas, it is important to provide information and raise public awareness of Lyme disease causes, effects, and treatments and to emphasize important education and research efforts surrounding Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the
senate, the assembly concurring, That the legislature recognizes May 2017 as Lyme Disease Awareness Month in Wisconsin and commends this observance to all residents; and, be it further
Resolved, That the legislature calls upon all residents to learn about the importance of tick avoidance and personal protection, tick detection and removal, the signs and symptoms of tick-borne illnesses, and the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease.
