Department of Health in 2014 showed that there were
approximately 7,400 cases of Lyme disease in this Commonwealth,
compared to 5,900 cases in 2013, which represents a 25% increase
from the previous year; and
WHEREAS, Each of the 67 counties of this Commonwealth has
reported ticks infected with bacteria associated with Lyme
disease and other tick-borne diseases; and
WHEREAS, In 2015, the Pennsylvania Task Force on Lyme Disease
issued a report which highlighted the significant economic
burden of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses on the
United States and Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, More than $1 billion in annual medical expenses in
the United States have been attributed to Lyme disease as well
as up to $10,000 per patient annually in lost productivity; and
WHEREAS, Patients with Lyme disease required 87% more visits
to the doctor and 71% more visits to the emergency room than
those patients without Lyme disease; and
WHEREAS, The Task Force on Lyme Disease applied cost
estimates to the Commonwealth and determined that, when
considering Pennsylvania's approximately 7,400 confirmed and
reported Lyme disease cases, the annual estimated cost in lost
productivity alone may likely exceed $74 million; and
WHEREAS, Too many residents of and visitors to this
Commonwealth have suffered the consequences of Lyme disease and,
without action, thousands more remain at risk; and
WHEREAS, The Commonwealth has taken important steps regarding
awareness, prevention and surveillance of Lyme disease by
establishing the Task Force on Lyme Disease and launching the
"Don't Let a Tick Make You Sick" campaign; and
WHEREAS, While such actions remain an integral part of
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