RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN/AP) – Former U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan has died at the age of 66.

In 2016, Hagan contracted a tick-borne illness which caused brain inflammation that made it difficult for her to speak and walk, according to her husband, Chip Hagan.

The CDC says there was only one reported case of it in North Carolina in the last ten years. Between 2009 to 2015, there were on average eight cases reported nationally each year. That increased to 33 in 2017. There were 21 reported cases in both 2016 and 2018.

She had been receiving treatment in Georgia after her diagnosis.

She made a rare public appearance in June in Greensboro at the ribbon cutting of a new air traffic control tower.

Dr. Jennifer Platt, co-founder of Tick-Borne Conditions United, said there’s been an increase nationally in the prevalence of tick-borne illnesses. She herself was bitten by a tick and contracted ehrlichiosis while working on her doctorate in public health.

The Mayo Clinic says it’s a “bacterial illness transmitted by ticks that causes flu-like symptoms.”

“Tick-borne diseases are increasing not only in North Carolina but across the country,” she said. “The diseases, like the senator had, are very rare still. But, they are as well increasing across the country.”

According to the CDC, there were 22,527 reported cases of tick-borne illnesses nationally in 2004. That increased to 59,349 in 2017.

The Greensboro Democrat defeated Republican Sen. Elizabeth Dole in 2008. She lost her seat in 2014 to Republican Thom Tillis.

Tillis issued a statement on Monday saying he and his wife are heartbroken over the loss of Hagan.

“Susan and I are absolutely heartbroken by Senator Kay Hagan’s sudden passing and we extend our condolences and prayers to her loving family and many friends. We join all North Carolinians in remembering her dedicated and distinguished record of public service to our state and nation.” Sen. Thom Tillis

U.S. Rep. Mark Walker (R-NC) released the following statement after the passing of Hagan:



“My heart goes out to Chip Hagan and the entire Hagan family in the passing of Kay. Sen. Hagan was dedicated to serving North Carolinians and especially to the men and women of the Armed Forces in America’s most military-friendly state. Chip has exemplified the devotion, love and care that every husband should aspire to.”

Sen. Richard Burr also released a statement:

Brooke and I are deeply saddened by the sudden and untimely loss of Kay Hagan. Our prayers are with her family.



My full statement: pic.twitter.com/Byc1Fw4Z8R — Richard Burr (@SenatorBurr) October 28, 2019

Hagan also served in the North Carolina Senate from 1999 to 2009.

She was born in Shelby on May 26, 1953.

In North Carolina, the state Department of Health and Human Services noted an increase in the last five years of confirmed and probable cases of Lyme disease. The department also reports cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever have remained stable, and cases of ehrlichiosis have varied. For more information on those illnesses and information on prevention, click here.

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