AK HCR4

Proclaims May 2025 as Myositis Awareness Month in Alaska

Myositis refers to rare, chronic, autoimmune muscle-wasting diseases that cause muscle inflammation, pain, fatigue, trouble swallowing, and can lead to interstitial lung disease

Types of myositis include dermatomyositis, antisynthetase syndrome, juvenile myositis, necrotizing autoimmune myopathy, inclusion body myositis, and polymyositis—all currently have no cure

Nearly 1 in 10 Americans has a rare disease, and myositis is difficult to diagnose, often delaying treatment and making it hard for patients to find specialized healthcare providers

Encourages Alaska residents to learn about myositis symptoms and support affected individuals and families in their communities