Tuscarawas County Health Department sees 68% increase in Lyme disease cases

DOVER ‒ Officials with the Tuscarawas County Health Department have seen a 68% increase in reported Lyme disease cases from May 1 through June 30.

There have been 74 suspected Lyme cases among Tuscarawas County residents, compared to 44 suspected cases during the same time period in 2023, the agency reported. As of July 10, health department staff 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, communicable disease nurse at the health department. “We also know that actual numbers of Lyme disease cases are likely higher due to underreporting, 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.

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Lyme disease symptoms

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 to 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 may also represent a “bullseye”), 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 health care provider immediately if you notice any of the above symptoms and receive the appropriate treatment,” noted Wallace.