85R19885 BK-D
By: Howard H.R. No. 1545
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases are most
frequently diagnosed in the spring and summer months, and Texans
need to be aware of the dangers related to these debilitating and
potentially fatal illnesses; and
WHEREAS, In addition to Lyme disease, which is the most
prevalent, tick-transmitted illnesses include Rocky Mountain
spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, bartonellosis, babesiosis, and
tick-borne relapsing fever; in the State of Texas, the black-legged
deer tick, the Lone Star tick, and the brown dog tick are all known
carriers of these types of diseases; and
WHEREAS, If not properly diagnosed and treated soon after
infection occurs, any of these illnesses can become substantially
more difficult to treat and can lead to life-threatening
complications; and
WHEREAS, Lyme disease is the fastest-growing infectious
disease and the most common vector-borne illness in Texas, with
cases having been reported in every public health region in the
state; according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
there are more than 300,000 cases of Lyme disease reported annually
in the United States; such figures may not give the full picture,
however, because Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses are
thought to be underreported due to a limited awareness among the
public and within medical circles of the serious nature of these
easily contracted diseases; and
WHEREAS, Greater public understanding is key to lessening the
threat of these diseases in our state, and the observance of Lyme
Disease Awareness Month in May will assist in promoting much-needed
education on this important health issue; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize May 2017 as Lyme Disease Awareness
Month in the State of Texas and encourage residents to learn more
about Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.