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These are the three disease-carrying ticks people in Ohio are most likely to encounter

These are the three disease-carrying ticks people in Ohio are most likely to encounter


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  • Ohio has seen a significant increase in Lyme disease cases over the past decade, with eastern and southern counties becoming hotspots.
  • The three most common ticks in Ohio are the American dog tick, the black-footed tick, and the lone star tick.
  • Rising temperatures in Ohio have increased tick activity and increased emergency department visits due to tick bites.

As temperatures rise in Ohio, Increased tick activityalong with emergency room visits for tick bites. Cases of Lyme disease have been reported.

Multiple tick types Confirmed in Ohio, according to Ohio Department of Health. However, three species are most commonly encountered by humans and pets and transmit several tick-borne diseases.

Here’s what you need to know about ticks in Ohio.

What are the three most common types of ticks in Ohio?

The three most common ticks people encounter in Ohio are the American dog tick, the black-footed tick (deer tick), and the lone star tick. All three can transmit serious bacterial infections.

  • American dog ticks: The most common tick throughout the state. It is found primarily in grassy areas and is known to spread. rocky mountain spotted fevera potentially life-threatening bacterial disease.
  • black-legged mite: More common in wooded areas and eastern/southern parts of the county and can transmit Lyme disease and several other diseases.
  • lone star tick: Also common in Ohio, especially in the southern region, it is known for its aggressive bite that can spread infection. ehrlichiosis (possibly a serious influenza-like bacterial infection). alpha gal syndromea potentially life-threatening allergic disease.

When are ticks most active in Ohio?

According to the Ohio Department of Health, some ticks, such as the black-legged tick, can be active almost year-round, depending on their stage, but most tick encounters occur from spring through midsummer and even into the fall.

Number of emergency department visits for tick-borne diseases in Ohio

Tick-borne illnesses are driving record emergency department visits in Ohio and the rest of the United States, with the country recording 104 emergency department visits. tick bite In April 2026, the total number of emergency department visits was 68 per 100,000 people, and in April 2025, the number of emergency department visits was 68 per 100,000 people. Axios.

How many cases of Lyme disease were reported in Ohio in 2026?

Ohio has reported 253 Lyme disease cases so far in 2026 through May 18, compared to 358 cases during the same period last year, according to the Ohio Department of Health’s interactive infectious disease data. dashboard.

There have been 2,880 confirmed cases in the state since May 2025, with the highest concentration in eastern Ohio, according to the state’s Lyme Disease Control. map.

Ohio has seen a steady increase in reported Lyme disease cases. According to Ohio’s infectious disease statistics, the number of cases reported in the state went from less than 40 in 2010 to more than 1,800 by 2024. dashboard.

Ohio counties with the highest number of Lyme disease cases in 2026

According to the ODH dashboard, the counties with the highest number of Lyme disease cases as of May 18 are:

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  • belmont county: Number of reported cases: 39
  • jefferson county:26 items
  • licking county:20 items
  • masking gum county:15 items
  • tuscarawas county:13 items

Franklin, Hamilton, Stark and Summit counties reported 2026 Lyme disease cases.

  • stark county: 9 reports
  • franklin county:8 items
  • summit county:5 items
  • hamilton county:4 items

What is Lyme disease? Is it fatal?

Although it is possible to die from Lyme disease complications, it is extremely rare. cleveland clinic.

Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by: Borrelia burgdorferi It can be transmitted by infected ticks. Tick ​​bites, especially bites by black-footed ticks, are the most common way these bacteria are transmitted to humans. Because black-legged ticks are small and their bites tend to go unnoticed, not everyone who experiences symptoms of Lyme disease will remember being bitten by a tick, according to . harvard health.

Experts say tick activity in Ohio has increased in recent years. easiest place to find

Tim McDermott, an expert at Ohio State University, said the number of tick species in Ohio has increased rapidly over the past decade.

“Ohio has a huge problem with ticks,” said Tim McDermott, an assistant professor in the Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. WOSU News. “The number of ticks that are medically important to humans, companion animals, and livestock has increased from one tick about 15 years ago to five ticks today, and two new ticks have been added to Ohio in recent years.

“You can encounter ticks almost anywhere in Ohio. Hotspots will be in the eastern half of Ohio and southern Ohio.”

McDermott said Ohioans are seeing an increase in tick infestations in the state and region, citing factors such as climate change and migration of wildlife.

Lyme disease, transmitted by the black-legged deer tick, occurs year-round in Ohio.

of Ohio Department of Natural Resources Ohio states that the black-footed tick, also known as the deer tick (which causes most Lyme disease), is active year-round. According to ODNR, “Human Lyme disease cases occur year-round in Ohio, but peak in the summer following the emergence of nymphs.”

The American dog tick and the Lone Star tick are also present in Ohio and can pose risks.

Ohio’s Tick Testing Lab helps identify ticks

ohio state university tick testing lab The service allows people in Ohio to submit ticks on themselves or animals to be tested for pathogens that can cause disease.

If you have a non-emergency medical or veterinary tick concern, Ohioans can submit a tick by mail to the tick testing program and receive results within 72 hours. The service costs $49.99 per tick. Or as the ODNR puts it: local health department You can also identify ticks.

Have you been bitten by a tick? Here’s how to safely remove it

If you are bitten by a tick, ODNR recommends using tweezers to carefully remove the tick from your skin. What the Ohio Department of Health Offers Additional guidance:

  • Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
  • Pull away from the skin with steady, even pressure.
  • Do not twist or pull on the tick. Mouthparts can break off and remain on the skin. In this case, remove the mouth part with tweezers. If the mouthparts cannot be easily removed with clean tweezers, leave them in place and wait for the skin to heal.
  • Dispose of live ticks by soaking them in alcohol, placing them in a sealed bag or container, wrapping them tightly with tape, or flushing them down the toilet. Do not crush the tick with your fingers.
  • Wash your hands and the stung area with soap and water.
  • do not use Vaseline, hot matches, nail polish or other “folk remedies” for getting rid of ticks. These methods don’t work.

The CDC also interactive tools For removing mites.

How to prevent tick bites

Health officials recommend reducing risk by using repellents, checking for ticks daily, and avoiding tick-rich habitats. To avoid being bitten by ticks, Ohio Department of Health recommends the following tips:

  • Avoid areas where ticks live
  • Use tick repellent
  • Cover your body to prevent ticks from getting on your body
  • Check for mites all over your body
  • When hitchhiking, thoroughly check your clothes for ticks.
  • remove ticks as soon as possible
  • Watch for symptoms of the disease, such as rash, fever, chills, and pain.

Sources

1/ https://Google.com/

2/ https://www.dispatch.com/story/lifestyle/nature-wildlife/2026/05/19/ohio-common-ticks-lyme-disease/90156531007/

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