85R19885 BK-D
	By: Howard	H.R. No. 1545

	R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases are most
	frequently diagnosed in the spring and summer months, and Texans
	need to be aware of the dangers related to these debilitating and
	potentially fatal illnesses; and
	WHEREAS, In addition to Lyme disease, which is the most
	prevalent, tick-transmitted illnesses include Rocky Mountain
	spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, bartonellosis, babesiosis, and
	tick-borne relapsing fever; in the State of Texas, the black-legged
	deer tick, the Lone Star tick, and the brown dog tick are all known
	carriers of these types of diseases; and
	WHEREAS, If not properly diagnosed and treated soon after
	infection occurs, any of these illnesses can become substantially
	more difficult to treat and can lead to life-threatening
	complications; and
	WHEREAS, Lyme disease is the fastest-growing infectious
	disease and the most common vector-borne illness in Texas, with
	cases having been reported in every public health region in the
	state; according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
	there are more than 300,000 cases of Lyme disease reported annually
	in the United States; such figures may not give the full picture,
	however, because Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses are
	thought to be underreported due to a limited awareness among the
	public and within medical circles of the serious nature of these
	easily contracted diseases; and
	WHEREAS, Greater public understanding is key to lessening the
	threat of these diseases in our state, and the observance of Lyme
	Disease Awareness Month in May will assist in promoting much-needed
	education on this important health issue; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
	Legislature hereby recognize May 2017 as Lyme Disease Awareness
	Month in the State of Texas and encourage residents to learn more
	about Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.