SHARE

Implement Lyme Disease Act, Gillibrand Tells Trump

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) wants the government to do more to combat Lyme disease.

Kirsten Gillibrand

Kirsten Gillibrand

Photo Credit: Contributed

The Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act was signed into law at the end of 2016, but has not yet been implemented by the new administration, Gillibrand said. The law will ensure federal coordination on urgently needed research for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatments for Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.

In 2015, New York reported 3,252 cases of Lyme disease. 

“Families...should be able to spend time outdoors without having to worry about being bitten by ticks and contracting Lyme disease,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This crisis is urgent. I will continue to do everything I can to help fight Lyme disease in New York, and I urge the Trump administration to take this problem seriously and carry out its responsibilities under the Lyme disease provisions of the 21st Century Cures Act.”

According to the CDC, between 2005 and 2015, there were 41,229 reported cases of Lyme disease in New York, one of the most heavily affected states in the country. 95 percent of confirmed Lyme disease cases in 2015 were reported from just 14 states, including New York.

to follow Daily Voice Southwest Dutchess and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE