Targeting tick diseases with phone alerts, tracking, and postage stamps

ByDorothy Leland

New Jersey Congressman Josh Gottheimer has announced a trio of legislative measures to combat the rising threat of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

1. The BITE Act—Battling Infections Transmitted by Ticks and Exposure—proposes to launch a nationwide notification system, using phones and smart technology to warn Americans when they step into zones at risk for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

“You deserve to know when you’re in danger of getting bitten,” Gottheimer said during a press event at Tenafly Nature Center in New Jersey.

2. The Tick Identification Pilot Program Act, empowering citizens to report ticks to a federal database for tracking and research.

3. The Stamp Out Lyme Disease Act, which would create a postage stamp to support Lyme awareness and funding.

Gottheimer emphasized the urgency: “We must take aggressive action to combat this epidemic,” referencing a spike in ER visits due to tick exposure, especially in the Northeast.

SOURCE: The Office of Congressman Josh Gottheimer

Dorothy Leland is a longtime advocate and researcher focused on Lyme disease education, policy awareness, and patient support. She has contributed to numerous publications and works closely with medical professionals and organizations to improve understanding and treatment of tick-borne diseases.

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