119-HR4980

Bill is currently in: House
Path to Law
House Senate President

119th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 4980

1. Short title
2. Comprehensive national vector-borne disease prevention system

1. Short title

This Act may be cited as the "Battling Infections Transmitted by Ticks and Exposure Act" or the "BITE Act".

2. Comprehensive national vector-borne disease prevention system

(a) Establishment - The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall establish and maintain a comprehensive national vector-borne disease prevention system.

(b) Components - The system described in subsection (a) shall have the following components:

(1) - A professional vector identification service, which shall—

(A) - include relevant information on ticks, mosquitoes, and fleas as vectors of disease;

(B) - be accessible by civilians and the Department of Defense; and

(C) - support data reporting that integrates human, animal, and environmental data (commonly known as the "One Health" approach).

(2) - An artificial intelligence-enhanced early warning system, which shall—

(A) - predict disease activity with weather, habitat, and wildlife data; and

(B) - deliver real-time, location-based risk alerts.

(3) - Insurance claims surveillance to detect outbreaks earlier than traditional methods, which shall include surveillance of claims made with private or public health insurance.

(4) - Syndromic surveillance, which shall monitor emergency room visits (including at civilian hospitals and military medical treatment facilities) for vector-borne symptoms.

(5) - Comprehensive public education, which shall—

(A) - deliver targeted prevention messaging; and

(B) - inform the public by working with schools, workplaces, media, and community organizations.

(6) - National strategic alignment, which shall—

(A) - support a target of a 25 percent reduction in Lyme disease by 2035; and

(B) - enhance military readiness through early detection and ecosystem health.