May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month

The State of New Hampshire
By her Excellency
Kelly A. Ayotte, Governor
A Proclamation

In the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Twenty-Six

LYME DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH
MAY 2026

WHEREAS, Lyme disease is the most commonly reported vector-borne disease in the United States, primarily transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged ticks; and,

WHEREAS, New Hampshire has thousands of cases reported annually, making public awareness, prevention, and early detection critical to protecting Granite Staters; and,

WHEREAS, symptoms of Lyme disease can range from fever, fatigue, and joint pain to severe neurological and cardiac complications, and early diagnosis and treatment are essential to preventing long-term health issues; and,

WHEREAS, increased public education on prevention measures, including the use of insect repellents, tick checks, wearing protective clothing, and landscaping techniques to reduce tick habitats, can help mitigate the spread of Lyme disease; and,

WHEREAS, medical professionals, researchers, and advocacy organizations in New Hampshire are working tirelessly to improve Lyme disease detection, treatment, and prevention strategies while supporting those affected by the disease; and,

WHEREAS, the State of New Hampshire encourages individuals, healthcare providers, and communities to work together to promote awareness, preventative measures, and continued research to combat Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, KELLY AYOTTE, GOVERNOR of the State of New Hampshire, do hereby proclaim MAY 2026 as LYME DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH in the State of New Hampshire, and encourage all residents to take necessary precautions, educate themselves on the risks, and support efforts to prevent and treat Lyme disease.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the State of New Hampshire to be affixed this 1st day of May, 2026.

Kelly A. Ayotte
Governor