CITY OF SEBASTOPOL
Proclamation
Proclaiming Declaring May as Lyme Disease Awareness Month WHEREAS, Lyme disease is a bacterial infection primarily transmitted by Ixodes ticks, also known as deer ticks or blacklegged ticks and these tiny arachnids are typically found in wooded and grassy areas; and
WHEREAS, Ticks that carry Lyme disease can also carry at least 15 other pathogens, many of them transmitted within minutes of being bitten, with one painless tick bite frequently resulting in multiple infections including bacteria, parasites, and viruses; and WHEREAS, The risk of contracting Lyme disease can be year-round, the nymphal ticks, which are the size of a poppy seed, are most active in the Spring. Tick bites are nearly painless, with fewer than 50%of patients with Lyme disease able to recall a tick bite and fewer than 50% reporting a “bull’s-eye” rash; and
WHEREAS, Lyme disease can impact the quality of life of individuals and their families; and WHEREAS, Patients with Lyme disease are frequently misdiagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and various psychia tric illnesses, including depression; and misdiagnosis with these other diseases may delay the correct diagnosis and treatment as the underlying infection progresses unchecked; and WHEREAS, Lyme disease and Lyme co-infections if left untreated may result in complicated multi-level infections that are life-altering, and
WHEREAS, Lyme disease is preventable if the right precautions are taken, and it is important that everyone know how to protect themselves; and WHEREAS Lyme Disease Awareness Month is an opportunity to increase awareness of this serious disease and to educate on prevention and recognition of early signs and symptoms; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, THAT I, Mayor Neysa Hinton, on behalf of the Sebastopol City Council, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2023 as Lyme Disease Awareness Month and invite the community to enjoy the outdoors like you always would, but also to be aware of the risks involved and how to avoid them.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and the Great Seal of the City of Sebastopol this 2nd day of May 2023.
----------------------------------------------------------- Neysa Hinton, Mayor