The Wisconsin Assembly has introduced Assembly Resolution 16, which proclaims May 2026 as Lyme Disease Awareness Month. This resolution highlights the significance of Lyme disease, a bacterial infection transmitted by the blacklegged or deer tick, and emphasizes the increasing prevalence of the disease in Wisconsin, where reported cases have quadrupled over the past two decades. With an estimated 476,000 Americans diagnosed annually, Lyme disease is the most commonly reported vector-borne illness in the U.S. and poses serious health risks if left untreated.

The resolution aims to raise public awareness about Lyme disease, its symptoms, prevention methods, and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. It encourages residents to educate themselves on tick avoidance strategies, the signs of tick-borne diseases, and the necessary steps for prompt medical attention. By designating May 2026 as Lyme Disease Awareness Month, the Wisconsin Assembly seeks to foster a greater understanding of the disease and promote health and safety within the community.