AL SJR85

Declares June 2024 as Tick-Borne Disease and Illness Awareness Month in Alabama.

Notes that tick-borne diseases including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever become prevalent during spring and summer seasons.

Highlights that Lyme disease cases in Alabama almost doubled from 36 in 2018 to 66 in 2019, and spotted fever rickettsiosis cases increased from 14 in 2000 to 673 in 2018.

Identifies emerging tick-borne threats including the Heartland virus, identified in 2009 and carried by lone star ticks.

Advocates that prevention of tick-borne disease is best achieved through public awareness of symptoms and the variety of diseases ticks carry.