AJR122: Joint Resolution Text

LRB-5172/1

CMH:ahe

2019 - 2020 LEGISLATURE

2019 Assembly JOINT RESOLUTION 122

January 28, 2020 - Introduced by Representatives Ott, Edming, Spreitzer, Tusler, Skowronski, Krug, Kulp, Milroy, Mursau, Ohnstad, Petryk, Shankland, Hebl, Swearingen, Vruwink, Ballweg, Anderson, Sargent and Spiros, cosponsored by Senators Tiffany, Darling, Larson, Marklein and Wirch. Referred to Committee on Rules.

AJR122,1,1 Relating to: proclaiming May 2020 as Tick-Borne Illness Awareness Month.

AJR122,1,3 Whereas, Lyme disease is a bacterial disease transmitted to humans by an infected tick commonly known as the black-legged or deer tick; and

AJR122,1,5 Whereas, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the disease was first recognized in the United States in 1975 in Lyme, Connecticut; and

AJR122,1,9 Whereas, Lyme disease is the most commonly reported vector-borne illness in the United States, with an estimated 300,000 Americans diagnosed each year, and it is also the highest reported tick-borne disease in Wisconsin, with more than 36,000 cases reported between 1980 and 2018; and

AJR122,1,12 Whereas, signs and symptoms generally set in after 3-30 days and commonly include a fever, headache, fatigue, and a circular skin rash called erythema migrans (“EM"); and

AJR122,2,2 Whereas, if left untreated, the infection may spread to other parts of the body, producing symptoms that include additional EM lesions, facial or Bell's palsy, severe headaches and neck stiffness, pain and swelling in large joints, fatigue, cognitive decline, shooting pains, and heart palpitations; and

AJR122,2,5 Whereas, although Lyme disease is often difficult to diagnose, the disease can be treated successfully with oral antibiotics or injectable antibiotics if it is detected early; and

AJR122,2,9 Whereas, the best ways to prevent Lyme disease are to avoid wooded and bushy areas with high grass, use repellants with 20 to 30 percent DEET, wear light-colored clothing to cover exposed skin, and check skin thoroughly after being in areas where ticks may be present; and

AJR122,2,13 Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2018, nearly 92 percent of the over 33,660 Lyme disease cases in the United States were reported from only 14 states, with over 1,869 of them reported from the state of Wisconsin; and

AJR122,2,17 Whereas, it is important to provide information and raise public awareness of the causes, effects, and treatments of tick-borne illnesses and to emphasize important education and research efforts surrounding Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases; now, therefore, be it

AJR122,2,20 Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the legislature recognizes May 2020 as Tick-Borne Illness Awareness Month in Wisconsin and commends this observance to all residents; and, be it further

AJR122,2,24 Resolved, That the legislature calls upon all residents to learn about the importance of tick avoidance and personal protection, tick detection and removal, the signs and symptoms of tick-borne illnesses, and the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease.

AJR122,2,25 (End)