Battling Infections Transmitted by Ticks and Exposure Act; BITE Act
Summary
The Battling Infections Transmitted by Ticks and Exposure Act (BITE Act) aims to establish a comprehensive national vector-borne disease prevention system. This system would be managed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The bill emphasizes early detection, public education, and strategic alignment to reduce vector-borne diseases like Lyme disease.
Expected Effects
The BITE Act would lead to the creation of a national vector-borne disease prevention system. This includes a professional vector identification service, an AI-enhanced early warning system, insurance claims surveillance, syndromic surveillance, and comprehensive public education programs. The goal is a 25% reduction in Lyme disease by 2035 and enhanced military readiness.
Potential Benefits
- Improved early detection and prediction of vector-borne disease outbreaks.
- Enhanced public awareness and prevention measures through targeted education.
- Better data integration and reporting using a 'One Health' approach.
- Increased military readiness through early detection and ecosystem health monitoring.
- Potential reduction in healthcare costs associated with vector-borne diseases.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs associated with establishing and maintaining the comprehensive prevention system.
- Possible privacy concerns related to insurance claims and syndromic surveillance data.
- Risk of over-reliance on artificial intelligence and predictive models.
- Challenges in coordinating and integrating data across different agencies and sectors.
- Uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of the proposed measures in achieving the target reduction in Lyme disease.
Constitutional Alignment
The BITE Act aligns with the Constitution's mandate to "promote the general Welfare" by addressing public health concerns related to vector-borne diseases. The establishment of a national prevention system falls under the purview of Congress's legislative powers, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, which grants the power to provide for the general welfare of the United States. However, potential privacy implications related to data collection and surveillance would need to be carefully considered to ensure compliance with the Fourth Amendment.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).