House Resolution No. [insert number] proposes to designate May 2026 as National Lyme Disease Awareness Month in Michigan. The resolution highlights the challenges associated with diagnosing and treating Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness that can lead to severe long-term health issues, including damage to the heart, nervous system, and joints. It notes that there are approximately 476,000 new cases of Lyme disease each year in the United States, with increasing cases reported in Michigan since 2012.

The resolution aims to raise awareness about Lyme disease, which is often misdiagnosed due to its symptoms resembling those of common illnesses. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the disease's potential severity, including risks of paralysis, encephalitis, seizures, and even death if left untreated. The House of Representatives intends to transmit copies of the resolution to the Michigan Lyme Disease Association to support their efforts in awareness and education.