a study in 2015 that confirmed a high risk of Lyme disease in
every county of this Commonwealth and found all 67 counties
had the blacklegged tick.
(4) The early clinical diagnosis and appropriate
treatment of these tick-borne disorders and diseases can
greatly reduce the risks of continued, diverse and chronic
symptoms that can affect every system and organ of the human
body and often every aspect of an individual's life.
(5) Residents of this Commonwealth should be aware of
early disseminated and persistent Lyme disease symptoms and
should know that a negative test for Lyme disease cannot rule
out Lyme disease.
(6) The high burden of tick-borne diseases in this
Commonwealth requires an urgent and ongoing response.
Increasing education and prevention in the school setting is
a specific recommended strategy.
(7) With children representing the highest risk group,
schools are an accessible channel to quickly reduce exposures
and catch disease early.
Section 3. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this act shall
have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Department." The Department of Health of the Commonwealth.
"School entity." Any public school, including a charter
school or cyber charter school, private school, nonpublic
school, intermediate unit or area vocational-technical school
operating within this Commonwealth.
"School nurse." As defined in section 1401(8) of the act of
March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code
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