Can You Get Lyme Disease in Ohio? Cases Are Rising
Can you get Lyme disease in Ohio? Yes. Researchers have documented the spread of blacklegged ticks carrying Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium associated with Lyme disease, across much of the state.
Although Ohio was once considered a low-risk area for Lyme disease, the number of infected ticks and reported cases has increased significantly over time.
Patients and physicians may still underestimate the risk, particularly in areas previously considered “non-endemic.”
Common Lyme disease symptoms in Ohio may include fatigue, fever, headaches, joint pain, neurologic symptoms, and flu-like illness after tick exposure.
Lyme Disease Cases in Ohio Are Increasing
Researchers from Ohio State University and the Ohio Department of Health reported a marked increase in blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) across Ohio.
The investigators documented expanding deer tick populations on mice and deer during field surveillance studies.
By the time of the study, blacklegged ticks had already been identified in 57 of Ohio’s 88 counties.
The authors also confirmed the enzootic life cycle of Borrelia burgdorferi in Ohio, meaning the bacteria, ticks, and animal hosts were actively established within the state.
Do Ticks in Ohio Carry Lyme Disease?
Yes. Some blacklegged ticks in Ohio carry Borrelia burgdorferi.
Researchers attributed the spread of infected ticks to multiple factors including:
- Migration of birds and deer
- Changing environmental conditions
- Human activity and land use changes
As tick populations expand geographically, the risk of Lyme disease exposure may also increase.
Why Lyme Disease in Ohio May Be Missed
One concern raised by the authors is that Lyme disease risk in Ohio may be underestimated when surveillance systems lag behind changing tick populations.
If physicians assume Lyme disease is uncommon in Ohio, diagnosis may be delayed or symptoms attributed to other conditions.
This concern remains clinically important because delayed diagnosis may increase the risk of persistent or neurologic symptoms.
Learn more about delayed Lyme disease diagnosis.
What Percentage of Ticks Carry Lyme Disease in Ohio?
The percentage of infected ticks varies by county, season, and surveillance methods.
Researchers continue to monitor how rapidly infected blacklegged ticks are spreading across Ohio and neighboring states.
Risk may differ substantially between geographic regions, which is one reason local tick surveillance programs remain important.
Can You Get Lyme Disease Anywhere in Ohio?
Blacklegged ticks have expanded into many regions of Ohio, including areas previously considered low risk.
Patients may acquire Lyme disease during outdoor activities involving wooded, grassy, or brush-filled environments.
Tick exposure can occur during hiking, hunting, gardening, yard work, or recreational activities.
Why Tick Surveillance Matters
The authors emphasized that public health surveillance systems may not always fully capture emerging Lyme disease risk.
When surveillance underestimates risk, clinicians may be less likely to consider Lyme disease during evaluation.
This can create a downstream effect where patients experience delayed diagnosis, delayed treatment, or prolonged illness.
Learn more about persistent Lyme disease and ongoing symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get Lyme disease in Ohio?
Yes. Lyme disease cases and infected blacklegged ticks have increased across many regions of Ohio.
Do ticks in Ohio carry Lyme disease?
Yes. Some blacklegged ticks in Ohio carry Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium associated with Lyme disease.
Is Lyme disease common in Ohio?
Lyme disease risk in Ohio has increased significantly over time as blacklegged tick populations have expanded.
What are the symptoms of Lyme disease in Ohio?
Symptoms may include fatigue, fever, headaches, joint pain, neurologic symptoms, flu-like illness, and sometimes rash after tick exposure.
Why can Lyme disease in Ohio be missed?
Physicians and patients may underestimate Lyme disease risk in areas historically considered non-endemic, leading to delayed diagnosis.
Clinical Takeaway
Lyme disease in Ohio is no longer considered rare. Expanding blacklegged tick populations and increasing surveillance findings suggest growing exposure risk across many parts of the state.
Because Lyme disease symptoms may initially resemble viral illness or other common conditions, diagnosis may be delayed when clinicians underestimate regional tick exposure risk.
Recognition of changing tick patterns and early Lyme disease symptoms may help reduce delayed diagnosis and improve outcomes for patients in Ohio.
Related Articles
These related articles explore Lyme disease symptoms, delayed diagnosis, persistent illness, and tick-borne coinfections.
Lyme disease symptoms guide
Delayed Lyme disease diagnosis
Persistent Lyme disease
Lyme disease coinfections
Ticks and the diseases they transmit
References
- Wang P, Glowacki MN, Hoet AE, et al. Emergence of Ixodes scapularis and Borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme disease vector and agent, in Ohio. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2014;4:70.
Dr. Daniel Cameron, MD, MPH
Lyme disease clinician with over 30 years of experience and past president of ILADS.
Symptoms • Testing • Coinfections • Recovery • Pediatric • Prevention
