SPONSOR:	Rep. Schwartzkopf & Rep. Longhurst & Rep. Gray, on behalf of all Representatives & Sen. Lopez, on behalf of all Senators

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

147th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 52

RECOGNIZING MAY 2014 AS "LYME DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH."

WHEREAS, Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is commonly accompanied by rash and flu-like symptoms; and

WHEREAS, if left untreated, Lyme disease can result in lasting joint pain, meningitis, temporary facial paralysis, neurological problems, and impaired muscle function; and

WHEREAS, Lyme disease is most commonly transmitted through the bite of a deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) attached to the skin for at least 36 to 48 hours; and

WHEREAS, approximately ten to twenty percent of patients treated for Lyme disease will experience lingering symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and impaired cognitive function that may persist for months or years after treatment; and

WHEREAS, Delaware has the one of the highest incidence rates of Lyme disease per 100,000 people in the United States; and

WHEREAS, May 2014 has been recognized as National Lyme Disease Awareness Month;

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 147^th General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the Senate concurring therein, that the Legislature encourages the Department of Public Health to keep Delaware residents properly informed about Lyme disease prevention, symptom recognition, and treatment.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature affirms the importance of Lyme disease awareness and prevention, and hereby designates May 2014 as “Lyme Disease Awareness Month.”