Lyme: On the Rise – Each year, Tuscarawas County has seen a shocking rise of Lyme Disease cases for both humans and dogs. Learn more about how to protect your family from Lyme Disease right here on Newsymom!
This is Public Health is brought to you in partnership with the Tuscarawas County Health Department.
The numbers are in and, boy, are they rising fast! Tuscarawas County is seeing a consistent rise in Lyme Disease cases as the Black-Legged Tick population expands its range. What do ticks have to do with Lyme Disease?
The Culprit for Lyme Transmission: Tick Bites
Infected Black-Legged Ticks are responsible for transmitting the Lyme Disease bacteria (known as Borrelia burgdorferi or in short, B. burgdorferi) when they bite a human (or family furry friend). Normally found in eastern and southern counties in Ohio, the Black-Legged Tick population is expanding its range, becoming more active during the warmer spring and summer months.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
If you display any of these symptoms three to thirty days after a tick bite, you may have Lyme Disease:
- Erythema migrans rash (“bull’s eye” rash)
- Headache
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle or joint pain
- Fatigue
Speak with your healthcare provider to get tested and treated for Lyme Disease. (Call the Tuscarawas County Health Department at (330) 343-5555 x. 100 if you don’t have a provider!)
Learn about one man’s experience with Lyme Disease:
Lyme Disease Stats* – Tuscarawas County
*Provided by the Tuscarawas County Health Department’s Annual Disease Report and Companion Animal Parasite Council
Reported Cases in Humans:
2018 = 15 cases
2019 = 51 cases
2020 = 64 cases
2021 = 125 cases
Reported Cases in Dogs:
2018 = 177 cases
2019 = 207 cases
2020 = 293 cases
2021 = 468 cases
Lyme Disease Prevention Starts with Being Tick Smart
Lyme Disease cases are rising… which means prevention is key. Follow these tips to help keep ticks from getting your family sick!
The Tuscarawas County Health Department wants to keep you and your family healthy so you can enjoy all of your upcoming summer shenanigans! Follow the TCHD on Facebook (@tchdnow) for more safety updates or visit them online at www.tchdnow.org to see what services they can provide for you.
Melissa Klatt
Reporting
