SACRAMENTO – The entire state Assembly joined with Assemblywoman Patty Berg on Thursday in sending a message to Congress seeking money to study and prevent Lyme Disease, which has spread to nearly every county in California.

Berg's Assembly Joint Resolution 30 was approved by the full Assembly on a 74-0 vote during an afternoon session Thursday. The measure urges passage of House of Representatives bill 741, which would provide additional funding for prevention, education, treatment and research of Lyme Disease.

“This is very simple,” said Berg, D-Eureka. “We are asking Congress to do its job.”

Lyme Disease is caused by a bacteria carried by the western blacklegged tick, which has been reported in 50 of the 58 counties in California. The disease is especially prevalent in the coastal regions that make up the 1st Assembly District, represented by Berg. Humboldt, Sonoma, and Mendocino counties have the highest number of Lyme Disease cases in the state.

Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue and a rash. If left untreated, it can spread to the joints, nervous system and heart. Lyme Disease is treated with antibiotics when found early enough, but chronic ailments may develop if left untreated. The tick is common to the humid coastal regions and the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada.

“The North Coast needs Congress’ help,” said Berg. “So we’re asking for it.”

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, California is one of three regions in the country where Lyme Disease is endemic.

Phyllis Mervine, of Mendocino County, is president of the California Lyme Disease Association and resident of Mendocino County.

“I'd like to express my appreciation to Patty Berg for sponsoring AJR 30,” said Mervine. “Lyme Disease is a growing public health threat in California, with some areas being as risky as highly endemic areas in the northeast.”

The resolution will now go to the Senate.

Visit Berg's Web site at http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a01/leginfo.aspx.

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