According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Suffolk County recorded the highest number of Lyme disease cases in the United States between 2019 and 2022, highlighting a growing public health concern. In 2022, New York ranked as the number one state for reported cases, reinforcing the region’s vulnerability during peak tick seasons.

Amid rising concerns, Kirsten Gillibrand joined health advocates and officials at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge to push for increased federal funding to study tick-borne illnesses. She emphasized the urgent need for research, noting that these diseases can lead to long-term complications that remain poorly understood. Her proposal includes nearly $200 million in funding aimed at improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Experts such as Jorge Benach stress that Suffolk County carries a disproportionate burden, with multiple tick-borne diseases present in the area. Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, can spread from a tick bite to the bloodstream, affecting joints, the heart, and the nervous system if left untreated.

The proposed funding would support agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services, the National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Defense in advancing research and prevention strategies. Early detection and antibiotic treatment remain critical, as timely care can prevent the severe and lasting effects associated with Lyme disease.