I soon plan to introduce a Resolution designating May 2026 as “Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Illness Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania. This is a chance for Lyme patients, activists and educators to spread information on how to prevent Lyme and tick-borne diseases.
 
In 2025, the Pennsylvania Department of Health recorded 18,747 lab-confirmed cases of Lyme disease, a significant increase over 2024, which recorded 16,624 lab-confirmed cases. Research from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggests these numbers are under-counted by a factor of 10, meaning as many as 187,470 cases of Lyme disease may have occurred in Pennsylvania in 2025.

According to the CDC, Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system.  The ticks that transmit Lyme disease can occasionally transmit other tickborne diseases as well.
 
By increasing awareness, it is hoped that cases of Lyme can be treated early, before symptoms worsen in severity. I hope you will consider joining me as a co-sponsor designating May 2026 as “Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Illness Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania as a continued effort to benefit the overall health and quality of life of the residents of Pennsylvania.  Thank you.

Cosponsors of the 2025 "Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Illness Awareness Month" Resolution, SR 91, included Senators Langerholc, Martin, Phillips-Hill, Argall, Robinson, J. Ward, Costa, Collett, Miller, Santarsiero, Rothman, Brown, Culver, Comitta, Kearney, Haywood, Kane, Schwank and L. Williams.