H.R. 4980: Battling Infections Transmitted by Ticks and Exposure Act

This bill, titled the "Battling Infections Transmitted by Ticks and Exposure Act" or the "BITE Act," proposes the creation of a national system to prevent diseases transmitted by vectors such as ticks, mosquitoes, and fleas. The primary responsibility for establishing this system falls to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Key Components of the National Vector-Borne Disease Prevention System

The system is designed to include several key components:

1. Professional Vector Identification Service:
   • This service will provide information on disease-carrying ticks, mosquitoes, and fleas.
   • It will be accessible to both the public and military personnel.
   • The service will support a data reporting approach known as "One Health," which integrates information about human, animal, and environmental health.
2. Artificial Intelligence-Enhanced Early Warning System:
   • This system will predict disease activity by analyzing weather, habitat, and wildlife data.
   • It will send real-time, location-based alerts regarding disease risks.
3. Insurance Claims Surveillance:
   • This component will monitor health insurance claims to identify disease outbreaks earlier than traditional monitoring methods allow.
4. Syndromic Surveillance:
   • This will involve tracking emergency room visits for symptoms related to vector-borne diseases at both civilian and military medical facilities.
5. Comprehensive Public Education:
   • The system will provide targeted prevention messaging to the public.
   • It will involve partnerships with schools, workplaces, media, and community organizations to disseminate information.
6. National Strategic Alignment:
   • The system aims to achieve a 25% reduction in Lyme disease cases by the year 2035.
   • It will also focus on enhancing military readiness through better detection and understanding of ecological health related to disease vectors.

Implications of the Bill

The establishment of this comprehensive prevention system seeks to improve the detection and management of infections caused by vectors, potentially leading to better health outcomes for the public and military personnel. The integration of advanced technologies, education, and surveillance is intended to create a proactive approach to combat vector-borne diseases.

Relevant Companies

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