Okaloosa County BOCC — May 19, 2015 — 5-19-15 Lyme Disease

PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, Lyme disease is grossly underreported across the nation; and WHEREAS, Lyme disease is a serious infection caused by spirochetal bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi; scientists have identified more strains and species of Borrelia burgdorferi in the Southeast- ern United States than in any other region of the country, thus, the true risk to humans in the Southeast is unknown; and WHEREAS, early recognition is needed as prompt treatment and adequate antibiotic therapy in early stage infection may cure Lyme disease and prevent permanent damage and complications; Lyme disease may become more difficult to treat if therapy is delayed and untreated or inadequately treated Lyme disease can sometimes lead to death; and WHEREAS, ticks can be so small and hard to detect that many people who contract Lyme dis- ease do not recall being bitten, and the need for our residents, especially children, to practice personal preventive techniques when engaging in outdoor activities – such as frequent tick checks, use of tick re- pellant and proper tick removal; and WHEREAS, Lyme disease can affect the brain, heart, joints, and other body organs, and mimics many other diseases; patients are often misdiagnosed with more familiar conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, depression or psychiatric illness; and WHEREAS, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that at least 300,000 people in the United States are infected with Lyme disease each year. That figure is ten times higher than what had been previously reported by the CDC. Experts in the field believe the actual number is even higher. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners for Oka- loosa County, that we do hereby proclaim May 2015 as “LYME DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH” DULY PASSED AND ADOPTED this 19th day of May, 2015, CENTENNIAL YEAR. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA ATTEST: _________________________________ NATHAN D. BOYLES CHAIRMAN ___________________________ J D PEACOCK II CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT