Lyme Cases Soar 168% in Michigan, Wisconsin Hits Record High
Michigan has recorded a dramatic 168% increase in Lyme disease cases over the last five years — rising from 452 cases in 2020 to 1,215 in 2024. Anaplasmosis has surged nearly fivefold in the same timeframe. Meanwhile, Wisconsin just logged its highest-ever annual total of Lyme disease, with cases tripling over the past 15 years. Deer ticks, which now inhabit every county, show an alarming ~50% infection rate in adults
Why It’s Getting Worse
Range expansion: Blacklegged (deer) ticks are moving beyond northern forests into southern and suburban regions of Michigan and Wisconsin
Climate factors: Warmer winters and earlier springs are extending tick season and maturation cycles
Wildlife & land use: More deer and small-mammal hosts in fragmented habitats fuel tick reproduction and disease spillover
Public Health Response
Health departments in both states are urging vigilance — especially during peak months (May through August):
Preventive actions:
Wear long sleeves, tuck pants into socks, and avoid tall grass or leaf litter
Apply EPA‑approved repellents like DEET or picaridin; also, treat clothes with permethrin or buy pre‑treated gear (NOT on skin)
Shower within two hours of coming indoors and check all body parts (including pets) for attached ticks
Launder clothing in hot water and high heat dryer to kill lingering ticks
Tick removal & watchfulness: Use fine‑tip tweezers to grasp ticks as close to the skin as possible. Pull straight out without twisting, disinfect the area, and monitor for symptoms. Removal within 36 hours greatly reduces Lyme risk.
Surveillance & public tools: Wisconsin DHS offers tick identification services and a dashboard of ER visits for tick‑bites. Michigan DHHS is expanding monitoring efforts across both peninsulas
What to Know for You & Your Family
Know the symptoms: Early signs include fever, headache, fatigue, muscle/joint aches, and the classic bull’s‑eye rash. More severe cases may affect joints, heart, or the nervous system
Treatment works: Antibiotics like doxycycline or amoxicillin are effective, especially when started early
Pets aren’t immune: Dogs and cats can bring ticks indoors—consult your vet about topical or oral tick preventatives
Expert Insights & New Frontiers
Wisconsin entomologist PJ Liesch notes that younger ticks — especially nymphs — are small, harder to see, and responsible for most human infections
With tick season starting earlier and lasting longer, some scientists are reframing it as a year-round concern during warm periods
Promising vaccine trials are underway: Pfizer and Valneva are in Phase 3 of developing a Lyme vaccine, offering hope for long-term protection
Key Takeaway
Whether you’re hiking in Michigan’s forests or gardening in Connecticut, proactive tick prevention can make the difference. Stick to trails, gear up with repellents, treat clothing, and perform thorough checks after being outside. Early detection and swift treatment remain our most reliable defense as tick populations thrive across the Midwest.
News Sources: WZZM13.com | KFIZ.com
