House Bill 1084

AN ACT TO DESIGNATE THE MONTH OF MAY OF EACH YEAR AS "LYME DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH"; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

WHEREAS, Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses are found across the State of Mississippi and throughout the United States; and

WHEREAS, ticks, the primary transmitter of Lyme disease, are carried by animals that Mississippi citizens encounter every day; and

WHEREAS, researchers have identified more strains and species of the Lyme spirochetal bacteria Borrelia burgdoferi in the Southeastern United States than in any other region of the country; and

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 300,000 people are diagnosed with Lyme disease in the United states every year; and

WHEREAS, because diagnosing Lyme disease can be difficult, many people who actually have Lyme disease may be misdiagnosed with other conditions; and

WHEREAS, prompt treatment with adequate antibiotic therapy in the early stage of infection may cure Lyme disease, however, in some cases, untreated or inadequately treated Lyme disease can lead to death or permanent disability; and

WHEREAS, Lyme disease can affect the brain, heart, joints and other organs of the body, often mimicking other illnesses; and

WHEREAS, all symptoms following tick bites should be taken seriously; and

WHEREAS, the best protection from becoming seriously ill with Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases is education about ticks, the diseases they carry, and proper protection and prevention; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. The month of May of each year is designated as "Lyme Disease Awareness Month" to promote education and awareness of Lyme disease and how it can be prevented and treated.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.