IL HR0216

Urges the federal government to allocate more funding toward Lyme disease research and treatment, citing that public funding for Lyme disease research receives less than 2% of West Nile virus funding and less than 0.2% of HIV/AIDS research funding.

Recognizes Lyme disease as a growing national public health crisis with cases rising in Illinois, with infection rates doubling since 1991 from 3.74 to 7.95 cases per 100,000 people.

Notes that up to 60% of acute Lyme disease cases are misdiagnosed, diagnostic tests may not detect antibodies until weeks after infection, and delayed diagnosis can lead to chronic symptoms.

Acknowledges that recent research suggests bacterial persister cells may remain dormant in the body after standard antibiotic treatment, potentially causing chronic Lyme disease in some patients.

Declares May 2023 as Lyme Disease Awareness Month in the State of Illinois.