HomeMy WebLinkAboutLyme Disease Awareness Month_5.1.11
P R O C L A M A T I O N
WHEREAS, Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the State of Texas, and the fastest growing
infectious epidemic in our nation. It is endemic in Texas, with Lyme disease patients residing in every one of the
11 public health regions in the State; and
WHEREAS, Borrelia burgdorferi, a spirochetal bacteria, the agent of Lyme disease, has been detected in Texas ticks.
Evidence suggests Amblyomma americanum, the “Lone Star” tick, is the vector of Lyme disease in Texas. An
aggressive species, it will feed on a variety of hosts, including dogs, deer and humans,; and
WHEREAS, the CDC estimates that more than 230,000 new cases developed in the year 2005, and continue to rise,
more than AIDS, West Nile Virus and Avian flu combined; and
WHEREAS, Lyme disease seldom occurs alone, but rather with up to six known infections possible from a single
tick bite. Symptoms are evident in every system of the human body, such as endless flu-like symptoms, arthritis,
heart irregularities, skin rashes, muscle and joint pain, nausea and dizziness, changes in vision, facial paralysis,
and neurological changes also affecting the brain, with memory problems and confusion being common; and
WHEREAS, if not diagnosed and treated early in the illness with appropriate antibiotics along with other
effective remedies, these infections can progress to a chronic and persistent disabling condition for which there
may be no cure and may even result in death; and
WHEREAS, each May the Texas Lyme Disease Association launches an educational campaign to raise awareness
about Lyme disease, through the showing of the Lyme documentary “Under Our Skin” at public libraries, and by
distribution of our “What Is Lyme Disease?” brochure which stresses steps the public can take toward prevention.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE GARVER, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN, TEXAS, do hereby
proclaim May 2011 as
LYME DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH