IN SR0059

Juvenile Myositis (JM) is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately 5,000 children in the United States, with about 1,000 new diagnoses annually.

JM primarily affects children ages 5-15 and is characterized by skin rashes, muscle weakness, fatigue, fever, and joint pain; girls are twice as likely to be affected.

The disease has no known cure, though medications can ease symptoms and early diagnosis with aggressive treatment has improved patient outcomes.

Children with JM often have a family history of autoimmune diseases including thyroid disorder, Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Crohn's disease.

The resolution directs the Indiana Senate to increase public awareness of juvenile myositis to improve diagnostic outcomes and advance research toward finding a cure.