WHEREAS, The number of confirmed cases of Lyme disease in
this Commonwealth has been rising since 2013; and
WHEREAS, Data from the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention shows that there were approximately 9,250 confirmed
cases of Lyme disease in Pennsylvania in 2017, compared to 4,981
cases in 2013, which represents a near 50% increase over four
years; 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, The Commonwealth has taken important steps regarding
awareness, prevention and surveillance of Lyme disease by
establishing the Pennsylvania Task Force on Lyme Disease and
launching the "Don't Let a Tick Make You Sick" campaign; 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, 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, While the Pennsylvania Task Force on Lyme Disease
remains an integral part of precautionary efforts, rising
statistics and costs represent the need to focus on preventative
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