Legislation Document

SPONSOR:	Sen. Pettyjohn & Rep. Carson
Sens. Buckson, Hansen, Hocker, Hoffner, Huxtable, Mantzavinos, Sokola, Walsh, Wilson; Reps. Bush, Dukes, Gray, Griffith, Morrison, Yearick

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 80

DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF MAY 2025 AS "LYME DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, the month of May is recognized nationally as Lyme Disease Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to educate the public and promote practices to reduce the risk of infection; and

WHEREAS, Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi; and

WHEREAS, Lyme disease is most commonly transmitted through the bite of a deer tick (lcodes scapularis); and

WHEREAS, early symptoms may include fever, fatigue, headache, and a red bull’s eye rash, though not everyone develops one; and

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly 476,000 Americans are diagnosed and treated with Lyme disease each year, making it the most common vector-borne disease in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Delaware ranks in the top 10 for the highest incidence rate of Lyme disease in the nation with a reported rate of 33.8 cases per 100,000 people according to DHSS; and

WHEREAS, if not treated promptly, Lyme disease can lead to severe complications and in some cases, individuals may experience Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) with long-term symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and impaired cognitive function that may persist for months or years after treatment; and

WHEREAS, Delaware’s climate and landscape makes it a breeding ground for tick populations, contributing to the elevated risk among its residents; and

WHEREAS, Delaware remains one of the few states that investigates each reported case of Lyme disease through the Bureau of Epidemiology, demonstrating a strong commitment to tracking and managing this public health threat; and

WHEREAS, raising public awareness about prevention, early detection, and treatment options is critical to reducing the impact of Lyme disease on individuals and families.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 153rd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that the Legislature affirms the importance of Lyme disease awareness and prevention, and hereby designates May 2025 as “Lyme Disease Awareness Month” in the State of Delaware.