ILLINOIS REGISTER 6128
09
PROCLAMATIONS
Issued by the Governor April 2, 2009
Filed by the Secretary of State April 10, 2009
2009-127
Lyme Disease Awareness Month
WHEREAS, ticks carrying the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi that causes Lyme Borreliosis,
commonly known as Lyme Disease, continue to spread across Illinois; and
WHEREAS, the number of reported cases of Lyme Disease among residents of Illinois has
steadily increased, yet the Centers for Disease Control estimates that on average
there are 10 missed cases for every case reported; and
WHEREAS, Lyme Disease is difficult to diagnose because it imitates other conditions and no
reliable laboratory test can prove who is infected or bacteria-free, which often
leads to misdiagnosis; and
WHEREAS, early indicators of infection include flu-like symptoms characterized by chills,
headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches and swollen lymph nodes; and
WHEREAS, weeks or months later, patients with untreated or under-treated Lyme Disease can
suffer from serious, permanent and sometimes life-threatening damage to the
brain, joints, heart, eyes, liver, spleen, blood vessels and kidneys. For this reason
it is imperative that all who develop this disease receive immediate treatment; and
WHEREAS, the best solution to the threat of Lyme Disease is to educate people about the
seriousness of the illness and the need to practice personal prevention techniques
when engaging in outdoor activities, such as frequent tick checks, use of tick
repellents and proper tick removal; and
WHEREAS, in an effort to raise awareness about Lyme Disease, Illinois is honored to take part
in the annual observance of Lyme Disease Awareness Month this May:
THEREFORE, I, Pat Quinn, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim May 2009 as
LYME DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH in Illinois, to draw attention to this disease and the
importance of early detection and treatment.
Issued by the Governor April 9, 2009
Filed by the Secretary of State April 10, 2009
