Lyme disease cases in Michigan up sixfold as tick populations grow
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LANSING, Mich. (News 10) – Tick populations in Michigan are increasing, and so are the health risks they carry. Lyme disease cases in the state have risen sixfold in the past three years, according to a study from McLaren Health.
Dr. Julie Kehdi, an infectious disease physician with University of Michigan Health Sparrow, said ticks are becoming more common and more varied in species.
“Over the past 5-10 years, more recently, we’re seeing a lot more ticks in Michigan — not just more ticks, but also different species of ticks,” Kehdi said. “One of them is the deer tick, and also called the black-legged tick. That’s the one that can transmit Lyme disease.”
A firsthand encounter on the trail
Robert Berger, who regularly walks his dog Spot on local trails, said he recently discovered a tick on his body after a walk.
“Maybe three weeks ago, when I was showering, I thought I had a scab,” Berger said. “A week later, it was still there. I reached back, pulled it off — it was a tick, probably a quarter the size of a dime.”
Experts recommend checking for ticks after spending any time outdoors.
How to safely remove a tick
Sam Ansaldi, education director at the Fenner Nature Center, said proper removal technique is important.
“Get as far down to the base as possible, and then just slowly take that right out of there,” Ansaldi said. “The biggest thing is you want to make sure you get the head and the mouth parts out and not just grab onto the back part of the body.”
Symptoms to watch for
Kehdi said people should monitor for the following after a potential tick exposure:
An expanding area of redness or rash
Fevers and chills
Fatigue
Muscle aches
Joint aches or joint swelling
“Early symptoms unfortunately look like early symptoms for a lot of things,” Kehdi said. “But the big thing is looking out for that rash.”
Don’t forget your pets
Kehdi said animals on tick prevention medication can still carry ticks indoors without being bitten themselves. Experts recommend checking pets after every walk.
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