Lyme disease cases on the rise in Tuscarawas County

The Tuscarawas County Health Department has reported a sharp increase in suspected Lyme disease cases during the first half of 2025. From Jan. 1 through June 30, there were 126 suspected cases among county residents, marking a 44% rise compared to the 89 suspected cases during the same period in 2024.

The upward trend is part of a broader pattern. Between 2020 and 2024, reported Lyme disease cases in the county increased by 128%, from 96 cases in 2020 to 219 in 2024.

“For the third year in a row, we are continuing to see a steady increase in reported Lyme disease case rates in Tuscarawas County for the first half of the year,” said Valerie Wallace, RN, communicable disease nurse at the health department. “We also know that actual numbers of Lyme disease cases are often higher due to underreporting, and we encourage county residents to take precautions to prevent Lyme disease and to seek treatment early if symptoms begin.”

Canine Lyme disease also is on the rise. Between January and June 2025, there were 502 reported cases in dogs, up from 449 during the same period in 2024. That translates to a 14.96% positivity rate or roughly 1-in-6 dogs tested, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council.

Lyme disease and its symptoms

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness transmitted by the bite of an infected tick. The risk of transmission increases significantly if the tick remains attached for more than 36-48 hours.

Ticks tend to attach to hard-to-see areas such as the groin, armpits and scalp. Early symptoms of Lyme disease may include a red or purplish rash (sometimes resembling a bull's-eye), fatigue, fever, chills, headache, swollen lymph nodes and joint or muscle pain.

If left untreated, late-stage Lyme disease can result in serious complications including severe headaches and neck stiffness, arthritis with intense 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.

Prevention and tick safetyTo reduce the risk of tick bites and Lyme disease, the health department recommends the following:

—Avoid wooded, brushy areas and tall grass.

—Walk in the center of trails.

—Wear long-sleeved shirts and tuck pants into socks.

—Use EPA-approved insect repellent.

—Check your body and clothing for ticks after being outdoors.

If a tick is found, remove it with fine-tipped tweezers by grasping it close to the skin and pulling with steady pressure. Do not crush the tick with your fingers. Dispose of it by placing it in a sealed container, wrapping it in tape or flushing it.

Pet owners should check pets for ticks after they have been outdoors and consult their veterinarian about Lyme disease prevention including vaccination.

Visitwww.tchdnow.org/ticks or call the Tuscarawas County Health Department at 330-343-5555 ext. 1810.