,
BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA
A PROCLAMATION
l YME DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS:
Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by spirochetal bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. Scientists have identified more strains and species of Borrelia brugdorferi in the South than in the Northeast. Lyme borrelisosis and other tick- borne diseases are seriously under- reported across the nation; and
WHEREAS:
Ticks, the host of Lyme disease, are carried by mice, rabbits, squirrels, deer, birds, and other animals; and
WHEREAS:
Traditional methods of removing embedded ticks are dangerous and can increase the risk of acquiring the infection. Ticks can be so small and hard to detect that many people who contract Lyme disease do not recall being bitten. Prompt treatment with adequate antibiotic therapy in early stage infection may cure Lyme disease, thereby preventing permanent damage and complications of progressive Lyme disease. In some cases, untreated or inadequately treated Lyme disease can lead to deat h. Lack of early recognition, diagnosis, and treatment can result in permanent physical damage, therefore many Lyme patients are left disabled; and
WHEREAS :
Lyme disease can affect the brain, heart, joints, and other body organs, and mimics many other diseases . Some patients do not develop the characteristic rash and symptoms may not appear for months to years following initial infection. Patients are often misdiagnosed with more fami liar conditions includ ing rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, depression, or psychiatric illness; and
WHEREAS:
The science surrounding Lyme and tick-borne diseases is unclear and emerging , and testing may be inaccurate. Citizens and medical providers are encouraged to take all tick borne diseases seriously; now
THEREFORE:
I, NATHAN DEAL, Governor of the State of Georgia, do hereby proclaim May 2012, as LYME DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH in Geo rgia and encourage our citizens to become better educated about this illness and how they can protect themselves from infection .
In witne ss thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Executive Department to be affixed thi s 17th day of April in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve.
GOVEHNO H
ATf EST
C-.
Cl llEF OF STAFF