Tuscarawas County health officials are encouraging residents to protect themselves from tick bites as Lyme disease cases remain high for the fourth straight year.
The Tuscarawas County Health Department has recorded 123 suspected Lyme disease cases through the first six months of 2026, nearly matching last year’s pace. Officials say another 18 cases were reported during the first 10 days of July.
Environmental Health Operations Administrator Mike Kopko recommends avoiding tall grass and wooded areas and when possible and consider wearing long sleeves and pants and using insect repellent when outdoors.
Community Relations Director Jennifer Demuth says if you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it quickly with fine-tipped tweezers by pulling straight out with steady pressure. Lyme disease usually isn’t transmitted until a tick has been attached for 36 to 48 hours, making early removal important.
Demuth says anyone who develops symptoms such as a bull’s-eye rash, fever or joint pain after a tick bite should contact a healthcare provider.
Meanwhile, cases are also up in dogs. The Companion Animal Parasite Council reports 669 Lyme disease cases in Tuscarawas County dogs during the first half of this year, compared with 502 during the same time in 2025.
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