[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 73 (Monday, May 7, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H3751-H3752]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      LYME DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Faso) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. FASO. Mr. Speaker, as May marks Lyme Disease Awareness Month, I 
rise today to recognize the countless individuals currently living with 
Lyme and to honor the medical experts and advocates combating this 
epidemic throughout the Nation.

[[Page H3752]]

  In upstate New York, where I reside, we are aware of the real and 
continuing threat that Lyme and related tick-borne diseases pose. With 
an estimated 300,000 new cases each year, the Lyme crisis is spreading. 
It is found in about half of all U.S. counties and in nearly 80 
countries worldwide. Transmitted by tick bites, Lyme disease has no 
known cure, is difficult to diagnose, and can attack the nervous 
system, even sometimes leading to death if left untreated.
  There is no silver bullet to combat this devastating disease, but 
better public education and more Federal research can lead to 
significant advancements. The medical and public health communities 
urge you to check yourself and your loved ones, especially children, 
each day for ticks and to seek out the best information on best 
practices for preventing tick bites and Lyme disease.
  I look forward to continuing to work with members of the upstate New 
York community, Lyme disease advocates throughout America, and my 
colleagues here in Congress on both sides of the aisle to increase 
awareness and to find a cure, finally, for this devastating disease.

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