Lyme disease cases rise in Tuscarawas County

*Attached video: Tick troubles: How to stay safe as Lyme disease cases rise

DOVER, Ohio (WJW) – Tuscarawas County is experiencing an increase in Lyme disease cases in 2024.

According to a press release from the Tuscarawas County Health Department , the county has seen a 68% increase in reported Lyme disease cases from May 1 through June 30.

According to the health department, 74 suspected Lyme disease cases have been reported so far in 2024. In 2023, the number of suspected cases reported in the same time period was 44.

According to the TCHD, the health department is also investigating another 31 suspected cases as of July 10.

“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 underreporting and we encourage county residents to take precautions to prevent Lyme disease and to seek treatment early if symptoms arise.”

According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, cases of Lyme disease in dogs have also gone up with 449 cases in 2024 as of July 9, the release said.

According to the health department tickborne diseases, such a s Lyme disease, are spread to people or pets through the bite of an infected tick.

Facts about tick bites, according to the TCHD:

• The longer a tick is attached to a person or aminal, the more likely germs or diseases will be passed on.
• It takes about 36 to 48 hours before a tick can transmit Lyme disease bacteria.
• Ticks can attach to any part of the body, especially hard-to-see areas.

Symptoms of Lyme disease, according to the TCHD:

• An erythema migrans skin rash: A reddish-purplish rash that may also represent a “bullseye”
• Fatigue
• Chills
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle and joint pain
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Late-stage Lyme disease: 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,” Wallace said.

To avoid tick bites, it’s important to take precautions including avoiding wooded and brushy areas with high grass. The health department says you can also tuck long pants into long socks, use insect repellent, use clear and well-traveled trails, wear long sleeves and inspect skin after being outside.

To remove a tick if bitten, the TCHD said to use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. To dispose of the tick, place it into a concealed container and wrap it in tape or flush it down the toilet.

“Never crush a tick with your fingers,” the release said.

Click here for more information about Lyme Disease.

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