Proclamation
STATE OF NEW YORK
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER
Proclamation
Whereas, the citizens of the Empire State value their health and that of their families and fellow New Yorkers and support observances that raise awareness of public health issues and strive towards the prevention of infection and disease, including Lyme disease; and
Whereas, Lyme disease remains an urgent public health concern in New York State, as evidenced by the more than 89,000 confirmed cases reported since 1986, the first year of such accounted documentation; and
Whereas, with disproportionately high levels of Lyme disease, New York has more than one-fifth of all cases reported nationwide and, if untreated, the disease can cause serious health complications including musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiac problems; and
Whereas, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease is transmitted by the bite of an infected deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) which has been found throughout New York State and, in recent years, there has been increased incidence and prevalence of Lyme disease cases in certain regions of the State; and
Whereas, all New Yorkers are encouraged to increase their education and awareness of the risks associated with Lyme disease in order to “Be Tick Free” and are reminded to take protective measures when in tick habitats and on returning from such habitats; and
Whereas, caution must be taken in wooded or overgrown grassy areas – dressing in long pants and long-sleeved shirts, wearing light-colored clothing to spot ticks more easily, considering the use of insect repellent, conducting a complete body check at the end of the day, and removing attached ticks promptly and correctly; and
Whereas, New York State acknowledges efforts to increase public awareness of this disease and it is therefore important that we all join to support and work toward the goals of Lyme Disease Awareness Month;
Now, Therefore, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim May 2010
LYME DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH
in the Empire State.
G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this twenty-sixth day of April in the year two thousand ten.
Governor
Secretary to the Governor
