Lyme disease cases are reported to be up
Tickborne diseases like Lyme disease are illnesses that can spread to people or pets through the bite of an infected tick.
The Tuscarawas County Health Department has seen a 68% increase in reported Lyme disease cases from May 1 through June 30 with 74 suspected Lyme cases among Tuscarawas County residents compared to 44 suspected cases during this same time period in 2023. As of July 10, TCHD staff members were already investigating another 31 suspected cases of Lyme disease for July.
“For the second year in a row, we are continuing to see a steady increase in reported Lyme disease case rates in Tuscarawas County,” said Valerie Wallace, RN, communicable disease nurse at the Tuscarawas County Health Department. “We also know that actual numbers of Lyme disease cases are likely higher due to under reporting, and we encourage county residents to take precautions to prevent Lyme disease and to seek treatment early if symptoms arise.”
Cases of Lyme disease in Tuscarawas County dogs are slightly higher for 2024 with 449 cases — 12.29% or about 1-in-8 dogs tested for Lyme disease — as of July 9, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council. For all of 2023, Tuscarawas County recorded a total of 732 positive cases — 11.38% of dogs tested — of Lyme disease in dogs.
Tickborne diseases, like Lyme disease, are illnesses that can spread to people or pets through the bite of an infected tick. The longer the tick is attached to the person or animal, the greater the chance it will pass on any disease germs it may have. In general, it takes approximately 36-48 hours before the tick can transmit Lyme disease bacteria.
Ticks can attach to any part of the human body but prefer hard-to-see areas such as the groin, armpits and scalp. Symptoms of Lyme disease may include a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans, a reddish-purplish rash that also may represent a bull’s-eye, fatigue, chills, fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and/or swollen lymph nodes. Late-stage Lyme disease can produce symptoms such as severe headaches and neck stiffness, arthritis with severe joint pain and swelling, irregular heartbeat, and inflammation of the brain or spinal cord.
“It is very important to see your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any of the above symptoms and receive the appropriate treatment,” Wallace said.
Taking precautions such as avoiding wooded and brushy areas with high grass, tucking long pants into long socks, using insect repellent, walking in the middle of clear and well-traveled trails, wearing long-sleeved shirts to keep ticks off the skin, and inspecting your skin after being outside are all ways to protect yourself from getting a tick bite.
If a tick is identified, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull away from your skin with steady, even pressure. Dispose of the tick by placing it in a sealed bag/container, wrapping it tightly in tape or flushing it down the toilet. Never crush a tick with your fingers. If you own pets, remember to always check them for ticks after being outside and remove ticks promptly. Also, talk with your pet’s veterinarian about tick-preventive services such as Lyme disease vaccination.
For more information regarding Lyme disease and tick safety recommendations, visit www.tchdnow.org/ticks or make an appointment with your medical provider. If you do not have a medical provider, TCHD welcomes new patients, and appointments can be made by calling 330-343-5555 ext. 1810.