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