Michigan Tick Season Intensifies as Lyme Disease Cases Rise

Michigan health officials are urging residents to take precautions as tick season ramps up across the state, with blacklegged ticks now established in nearly every county. The expanding tick population has led to a concerning rise in tick-borne illnesses, particularly Lyme disease, which is becoming increasingly prevalent throughout Michigan.

According to state health experts, changing climate patterns and expanding deer populations have contributed to tick migration into previously unaffected areas. “Preventing tick bites is the best way to prevent tick-borne diseases,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services chief medical executive, emphasizing the importance of vigilance during outdoor activities.

Record Expansion of Tick Territory

Michigan’s five most common ticks include the blacklegged tick (also known as the deer tick), American dog tick, lone star tick, woodchuck tick, and brown dog tick. The blacklegged tick, which can transmit Lyme disease, has experienced the most dramatic expansion in recent years, according to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

The MDHHS Emerging & Zoonotic Infectious Diseases Section’s latest data shows blacklegged ticks are now established in areas where they were once rare or absent. This expansion has led to Lyme disease being confirmed in nearly every county in Michigan, dramatically increasing exposure risk for residents and visitors.

“We are seeing tick populations in places where they simply weren’t present a decade ago,” noted Jean Tsao, associate professor at Michigan State University Extension. “What’s particularly concerning is that these aren’t just any ticks – these are species capable of transmitting serious diseases to humans and pets.”

Rising Concerns About Tick-Borne Illnesses

Lyme disease remains Michigan’s most common tick-borne illness, but health officials have documented increasing cases of anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis, especially in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula. According to Michigan State University’s tick surveillance program, these areas have seen the highest concentration of disease-carrying ticks.

Signs and symptoms of tick-borne diseases typically begin one to two weeks after a tick bite and include fever, rash, muscle aches, joint pain, and fatigue. Early Lyme disease often presents with the characteristic “bull’s-eye” rash, though public health officials emphasize that the rash doesn’t appear in all cases and can vary widely in appearance.

Health officials stress that early detection and treatment are crucial. “When caught early, most tick-borne illnesses respond well to antibiotics,” said infectious disease specialist Dr. Deborah McCullough. “The key is recognizing symptoms promptly and seeking medical attention when necessary.”

Prevention Strategies Essential

As tick activity peaks during May through September, the Insect Shield organization recommends several prevention strategies, especially when spending time outdoors:

Apply EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, picaridin, or IR3535 to exposed skin. Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Wear light-colored clothing to make ticks more visible, and tuck pants into socks when in tick-prone areas. Perform thorough tick checks after outdoor activities, including examining pets that may bring ticks into the home.

For those who find a tick attached to their skin, prompt removal is essential. The CDC recommends using fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible and pulling upward with steady pressure. The bite area should then be cleaned with alcohol or soap and water.

Resources for Michigan Residents

The MDHHS provides free tick identification services for Michigan residents who encounter ticks. Residents can email photos to MDHHS-Bugs@michigan.gov or submit ticks to MDHHS for identification.

Additionally, the department maintains the Michigan Lyme Disease Risk Map, updated annually to reflect the changing distribution of blacklegged ticks and confirmed Lyme disease cases across the state. This resource allows residents to assess their local risk level and take appropriate precautions.

As summer outdoor activities increase, health officials emphasize that prevention remains the most effective strategy against tick-borne diseases. “With simple precautions, Michigan residents can continue to enjoy the outdoors while minimizing their risk of exposure to ticks and the diseases they carry,” Dr. Bagdasarian concluded.