significant economic burden on Pennsylvania and the United
States; and
WHEREAS, Residents of and visitors to Pennsylvania are
especially vulnerable to Lyme disease and tick-borne diseases,
as evidenced by this Commonwealth's ranking as the leading state
in reported cases; 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, 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
precautionary efforts, rising statistics and costs represent the
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