Another rise in Lyme disease cases has the Tuscarawas County Health Department telling us to take precautions against tick bites and seek treatment options early if experiencing any symptoms.
Director of health promotion & community relations Jennifer Demuth says the county had 126 residents with suspected cases of Lyme disease from January through June of this year, up 44 percent from the first six months of 2024.
Physicians say the tick populations and Lyme disease cases are increasing due to climate change, changes in land use, and increased awareness and reporting of the disease. Early symptoms of Lyme disease can include a bullseye rash, a headache, muscle and joint pain, and fatigue.
Demuth recommends using fine-tipped tweezers to grasp and remove embedded ticks from the skin and pull it away using steady, even pressure.
Individuals can help avoid tick bites by wearing insect repellent, tucking pants into socks while in the woods, and staying out of areas with tall grass.
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