In a May 29 news release, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) outlined a series of planned initiatives related to Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.
According to the announcement, the initiatives include:
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A proposed “multi-million-dollar” national tick-control pilot program intended to evaluate approaches for reducing tick populations and preventing disease transmission;
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Expanded LymeX innovation activities, currently a public-private initiative focused on advancing Lyme disease diagnostics and related technologies, including three planned LymeX challenges with up to $2.5 million in total prize funding focused on public awareness, treatment innovation, and artificial intelligence tools;
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New research initiatives related to alpha-gal syndrome, an allergic condition linked to certain tick bites;
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Continued support for the Kay Hagan Tick Act, a bipartisan legislation focused on improving the federal response to tick-borne diseases.
The release also states that HHS aims to reduce Lyme disease cases by 25% by 2035 relative to 2022 levels.
While the release outlines several proposed initiatives and goals, further information regarding implementation timelines and program details has not yet been released.
Global Lyme Alliance supports continued federal investment and sustained focus on Lyme disease research, prevention, diagnostics, and patient care, and will continue to share information and updates as additional details become available.
Read the HHS release here.
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