SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 791

WHEREAS, Tick-borne illnesses, such as ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tick-borne relapsing
fever, are easily contracted and can be extremely debilitating and fatal; and

WHEREAS, Anyone who ventures outdoors is susceptible to encountering a tick and may contract one of these diseases; if
these illnesses are not diagnosed and treated properly soon after they occur, the ramifications become potentially life-threatening as time elapses; and

WHEREAS, Lyme disease, the most prevalent of the four illnesses, is the fastest-growing infectious disease in the
country and the most common vector-borne disease in Texas, with cases having been reported in every public health region in the state; the Lone Star tick is the principal transmitter of Lyme disease in Texas, though other known carriers are the black-legged deer tick, brown dog tick, and cat flea; and

WHEREAS, According to the Center for Disease Control, there were more than 16,000 reported cases of Lyme disease in the
United States in 1996; new hope for combating the disease surfaced in December, 1998, when the Food and Drug Administration approved a vaccine for those ages 15 to 70 that in most cases will prevent Lyme disease; and

WHEREAS, Due to a limited public understanding of the serious nature of these easily contracted diseases, there is
considerable underreporting of tick-borne illnesses in Texas; recognizing May as Tick-Borne Illness Awareness Month will
undoubtedly assist in the further education of all Texans on this important public health issue; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 76th Legislature, hereby recognize May as Tick-Borne Illness
Awareness Month in the State of Texas and encourage all to learn more about these diseases.

Bivins

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above
Resolution was adopted by the Senate
on May 4, 1999.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate