Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses have more than doubled in the United States over the past 10 years, with about 500,000 cases annually.
New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand wants to increase funding for tick-borne illness research.
“We need better federal investment into understanding the spread and expansion of Lyme Disease, the diagnosis and treatment of the disease, as well as the disease’s long-term impacts. That is why I am requesting $50 million in funding for the CDC to further their Lyme disease and tick-borne illness work,” Gillibrand said.
These federal funds will support the CDC’s research into prevention strategies, diagnostic tools and tailored treatments.
Full funding would also help states build a public health infrastructure for Lyme and other tick-borne diseases to support early detection and diagnosis, and improve treatment.