NW Illinois News

The Illinois House of Representatives has recently adopted a measure asking the federal government to commit more resources to find a treatment for Lyme disease.

On April 7, the House passed House Resolution 780 (HR 780), which also designates May 2022 as Lyme Disease Awareness Month in the state of Illinois.

 Lyme disease is one of the most under-detected under-identified diseases," state Rep. Dan Swanson (R-Woodhull) said on the House floor.

Swanson also shared data on Lyme disease in the state, noting that Lyme disease has been discovered in deer ticks in 36 counties throughout the state.

"Compare Illinois to New York where New York is considered an endemic state," Swanson said.

"We’re at 36 counties and 34% of our ticks (carry Lyme disease), where in New York, 30 to 50% of ticks carry the disease."

Swanson noted Winnebago has the highest infection rate at 66%, followed by Jo Daviess and Putnam at 59%.

Additionally, Swanson said that the Illinois Department of Public Health has launched an interactive map that allows individuals to follow the status of Lyme disease in their county.

"The intent of this map is an attempt to illustrate the number percentages of Lyme cases within each county or those ticks tested to educate doctors," Swanson said.

The resolution was proposed by Swanson on March 29 and supported by both Republicans and Democrats.

Sponsors include Reps. Swanson, Norine K. Hammond (R-Macomb), Anna Moeller (D-Elgin), Michael Halpin (D-Rock Island), Avery Bourne (R-Litchfield), Steven Reick (R-Woodstock), Martin McLaughlin (R-Lake Barrington), Amy Elik (R-Alton), Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur), Jonathan Carroll (D-Northbrook), Maurice A. West II (D-Rockford), Lance Yednock (D-Ottawa), Bob Morgan (D-Highwood), Carol Ammons (D-Urbana), Dan Ugaste (R-St. Charles) and Mark Luft (R-Pekin).