Bill passes to address Lyme disease
CHESTER COUNTY Bill passed to address Lyme disease HARRISBURG The Pennsylvania General Assembly passed a bill last week that establishes a state task force on Lyme disease to help prevent the illness.
CHESTER COUNTY
Bill passed to address Lyme disease
HARRISBURG The Pennsylvania General Assembly passed a bill last week that establishes a state task force on Lyme disease to help prevent the illness.
Under the direction of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the task force will work with other agencies to spread information about prevention and treatment options for Lyme and related tick-borne diseases. The Lyme and Related Tick-Borne Disease Surveillance, Education, Prevention and Treatment Act awaits Gov. Corbett's signature.
"This legislation is a good start in ensuring that our residents have the information they need to stay safe and stay healthy," State Sen. Andrew Dinniman (D., Chester), a co-sponsor of the legislation, said in a statement.
The majority of people with Lyme disease recover fully with treatment. If left untreated, the disease can cause joint inflammation, heart-rhythm irregularity, and cognitive problems.
Approximately 300,000 Americans are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year.
- Michaelle Bond