Illinois Lawmakers Seek More Federal Aid and Education to Combat Rising Lyme Disease Cases

Illinois lawmakers are pushing for more federal support to fight Lyme disease. The House public health committee has adopted a resolution sponsored by State Representative Dan Swanson, which calls for increased funding to find a cure. Swanson highlighted a rise in Lyme cases across the state, noting that available data may underestimate the problem, as major employers’ insurance plans aren't included in official counts. The measure also urges the State Board of Education to launch tick-bite prevention lessons for schoolchildren, who are at particular risk. May 2026 would be designated as Lyme Disease Awareness Month under the resolution, now headed to the full House.