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Ohio Faces Record Tick-Borne Lyme Disease Surge
31 Jul
Summary
- Lyme disease cases in Ohio surged nearly sevenfold since 2020.
- New tick species spreading north, including those carrying Lyme.
- Health officials urge precautions against tick bites outdoors.
Ohio health officials are warning of a potential record-breaking year for Lyme disease as tick populations continue to expand. In 2025, the state reported over 2,800 Lyme disease cases, a substantial increase from the 415 cases documented in 2020. As of July 31, 2026, 770 human cases have been confirmed across 63 counties, alongside 349 infected blacklegged ticks found in 54 counties.
State Public Health Entomologist Richard Gary noted that the increase is linked to the establishment of new tick species, such as the blacklegged tick, which has become prevalent and is a primary vector for Lyme disease. The surveillance also shows Lone Star ticks moving further north into Ohio, a species associated with alpha-gal syndrome, an allergy to red meat.
To mitigate risks, health authorities recommend using EPA-approved insect repellents, staying on marked trails, and conducting thorough tick checks after outdoor activities. Individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms, fever, or rashes post-tick bite should seek medical attention and inform their healthcare provider about the recent bite.
