The Tuscarawas County Health Department (TCHD) is reporting a significant spike in Lyme disease cases, with a 44% increase in suspected cases during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
Between Jan. 1 and June 30, TCHD documented 126 suspected Lyme disease cases among county residents, up from 89 during the same timeframe in 2024. The increase reflects a growing trend in recent years: Lyme disease cases rose by 128% between 2020 and 2024, climbing from 96 reported 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 TCHD. “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.”
Lyme disease is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected tick. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it generally takes 36 to 48 hours for a tick to transmit the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.
In pets, the trend is similar. From Jan. 1 to June 30, 2025, 502 Lyme disease cases were reported in dogs in Tuscarawas County — a slight increase from 449 cases during the same period in 2024, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council. Roughly one in six dogs tested for Lyme disease this year have been positive.
Ticks often attach to hard-to-see areas of the body, such as the scalp, armpits, and groin. Early symptoms of Lyme disease may include fatigue, chills, fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, and a distinctive “bullseye” rash known as erythema migrans. If left untreated, the disease can progress to more serious conditions including arthritis, irregular heartbeat, severe headaches, 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.
TCHD recommends the following tick prevention measures:
- Avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass.
- Wear long sleeves and tuck pants into socks.
- Use insect repellent approved for ticks.
- Stick to the center of trails.
- Perform thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors.
If a tick is found, health officials advise using fine-tipped tweezers to remove it, pulling straight out with steady pressure. Dispose of the tick safely by sealing it in a container or flushing it. Avoid crushing ticks with your fingers. Pet owners should regularly check their animals for ticks and discuss Lyme disease prevention, including vaccinations, with their veterinarian.
For more information about Lyme disease and tick safety, visit www.tchdnow.org/ticks or call the Tuscarawas County Health Department at 330-343-5555, ext. 1810, to make an appointment. TCHD is currently accepting new patients.
