2014 Wisconsin Lyme Awareness Month Proclamation

April 2014

Previous file: SJR83: Joint Resolution Text

LRB-4398/1

SRM:sac:jf

2013 – 2014 LEGISLATURE

March 13, 2014 – Introduced by Senator Tiffany, cosponsored by Representative
Kulp. Referred to Committee on Senate Organization.

1      Relating to: proclaiming May 2014 as Lyme disease awareness month.

2      Whereas, Lyme disease is a bacterial disease transmitted to humans by an
3      infected tick commonly known as the black-legged or deer tick; and

4      Whereas, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the
5      disease was first recognized in the United States in 1975 in Lyme, Connecticut; and

6      Whereas, Lyme disease is the most commonly reported vector-borne illness in
7       the United States with an estimated 300,000 Americans diagnosed each year and it
8       is also the highest reported tick-borne disease in Wisconsin with 23,000 cases
9       reported between 1980 and 2010; and

10    Whereas, signs and symptoms generally set in after 3-30 days and commonly
11    include a fever, headache, fatigue, and a circular skin rash called erythema migrans
12     (“EM”); and

13     Whereas, if left untreated, the infection may spread to other parts of the body
14     producing symptoms that include: additional EM lesions, facial or Bell’s palsy, severe1     headaches and neck stiffness, pain and swelling in large joints, fatigue, cognitive
2     decline, shooting pains, and heart palpitations; and

3     Whereas, although Lyme disease is often difficult to diagnose the disease can
4     be treated successfully with oral or injectable antibiotics if it is detected early; and

5     Whereas, the best ways to prevent Lyme disease are to avoid wooded and bushy
6     areas with high grass, use repellants with 20 to 30 percent DEET, wear light-colored
7     clothing to cover exposed skin, and check skin thoroughly after being in areas where
8     ticks may be present; and

9     Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2012
10   nearly 95 percent of the over 30,000 Lyme disease cases in the United States were
11   reported from only 13 states with over 1,700 of them reported from the state of
12   Wisconsin; and

13   Whereas, it is important to provide information and raise public awareness of
14   Lyme disease causes, effects, and treatments; and to emphasize important education
15   and research efforts surrounding Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases; now,
16   therefore, be it

17   Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the legislature
18   recognizes May 2014 as Lyme Disease Awareness Month in Wisconsin and
19   commends this observance to all residents; and, be it further

20   Resolved, That the legislature calls upon all residents to learn about the
21   importance of tick avoidance and personal protection, tick detection and removal, the
22   signs and symptoms of tick-borne illnesses, and the need for prompt diagnosis and
23   treatment of Lyme disease.

24   (end)