If you enjoy hiking, gardening, camping, fishing, or spending time outside with your family, there’s something important you should know: Lyme disease is becoming much more common in Ohio.
In fact, Ohio has seen a dramatic rise in Lyme disease cases over the past several years. According to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), reports of infection have increased from just 40 cases in 2010 to more than 2,800 cases in 2025. ODH Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA, stated that warmer temperatures and changing weather patterns have created ideal environments for tick populations to thrive; helping Lyme disease spread across the state.
The good news is that Lyme disease can often be treated successfully when it’s found early. Knowing how to prevent tick bites and recognize the signs of illness can help keep you and your family safe.
What Is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is an illness caused by bacteria that can be spread through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick, sometimes called a deer tick.
Not every tick carries Lyme disease, and not every tick bite will make you sick. However, it’s important to know what to watch for, especially if you spend time outdoors.
Without treatment, Lyme disease can affect the joints, nervous system, and heart. Early treatment can help prevent serious complications.
Why Lyme Disease Is Increasing in Ohio
Infected ticks are now found throughout Ohio, including in Franklin, Delaware, Licking, and Union counties.
The Ohio Department of Health reports that blacklegged ticks have been found in all 88 Ohio counties. As tick populations continue to grow, more people are coming into contact with them during everyday outdoor activities.
You don’t have to be deep in the woods to encounter a tick. Ticks can be found in:
- Parks and nature trails
- Tall grass
- Wooded areas
- Campgrounds
- Gardens
- Backyards
- Areas where deer and wildlife travel
Whether you’re hiking at a local Metro Park, walking your dog, or working in your yard, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself.
How Do People Get Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease spreads through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick.
Ticks are very small. Young ticks can be about the size of a poppy seed, making them easy to miss.
A tick usually must stay attached for many hours before Lyme disease bacteria can spread. That’s why finding and removing ticks quickly is one of the best ways to reduce your risk.
What Does a Tick Bite Look Like?
Most tick bites are small and painless. You may not even realize you’ve been bitten.
Some people develop a rash after a tick bite. One of the most well-known signs of Lyme disease is a rash that sometimes looks like a bull’s-eye, with a red ring around a lighter center.
However, not everyone gets this classic rash. The rash may also appear as a solid red patch that slowly grows larger over several days.
If you notice a new rash after a tick bite, contact your primary care provider.
Early Signs and Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Symptoms often appear within a few days to a few weeks after a tick bite.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Rash
Many people say the symptoms feel similar to the flu.
Because these symptoms can be caused by many illnesses, it’s important to tell your primary care provider if you’ve recently spent time outdoors or found a tick on your body.
When Lyme Disease Is Not Treated
If Lyme disease is not treated, symptoms may become more serious.
Some people may experience:
- Severe joint pain and swelling
- Facial weakness or drooping
- Numbness or tingling
- Heart rhythm problems
- Ongoing fatigue
These complications are less likely when Lyme disease is diagnosed and treated early.
What Should You Do If You Find a Tick?
Finding a tick can be alarming, but don’t panic.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Remove the Tick
Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
Pull upward with steady pressure. Try not to twist or crush the tick.
After removing it, wash the area with soap and water.
Step 2: Watch for Symptoms
Over the next few weeks, watch for:
- Rash
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Chills
Step 3: Contact Your Primary Care Provider
Call your doctor if you develop symptoms after getting a tick bite.
For standard cases, a primary care provider can evaluate, test and treat Lyme disease. However, if you present advanced-stage, complex symptoms or you aren’t responding to antibiotic treatment, you may be referred to an infectious disease specialist for further medical assistance.
How to Protect Yourself From Tick Bites
The best way to avoid Lyme disease is to prevent tick bites in the first place.
Before Going Outdoors
- Wear long sleeves and long pants when possible.
- Use an EPA-registered insect repellent.
- Stay on marked trails when hiking.
- Avoid walking through tall grass and brush.
After Outdoor Activities
Tick checks are one of the most important things you can do.
Check:
- Behind the knees
- Under the arms
- Around the waist
- In and around the ears
- Along the hairline and scalp
Parents should check children after outdoor play, sports, camping trips, and hikes.
Showering soon after being outdoors may also help remove ticks before they attach.
Don’t Forget To Check Your Pets For Ticks
Dogs and cats can bring ticks into your home.
Talk with your veterinarian about tick prevention products and check your pets regularly, especially after walks or time outdoors.
Make Your Yard Less Tick-Friendly
You can reduce tick habitats around your home by:
- Keeping grass cut short
- Removing leaf piles
- Trimming overgrown shrubs
- Creating barriers between wooded areas and play spaces
- Keeping play equipment away from brush and tall grass
These simple steps can help lower your family’s exposure to ticks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lyme Disease
Can children get Lyme disease?
Yes. Children who spend time outdoors can get Lyme disease if bitten by an infected tick.
Is Lyme disease common in Ohio?
Yes. Cases have increased significantly in recent years, and blacklegged ticks are now found across Ohio.
Does every tick bite cause Lyme disease?
No. Most tick bites do not result in Lyme disease. Only certain ticks carry the bacteria that cause the illness.
Can Lyme disease be treated?
Yes. Most people recover fully when Lyme disease is diagnosed and treated early.
When should I call my doctor?
Contact your primary care provider if you develop symptoms or notice a rash after a tick bite or after spending time in outdoor environments where ticks live.
Enjoy the Outdoors Safely
Central Ohio offers many great opportunities to get outside, from neighborhood parks and walking trails to camping trips and backyard activities.
You don’t need to avoid the outdoors because of ticks. Instead, wear protective clothing and repellent, perform regular tick checks, and know the signs of Lyme disease.
The sooner Lyme disease is recognized, the sooner treatment can begin.
If you have questions about a tick bite or symptoms that concern you, contact your COPC primary care provider. We’re here to help you and your family stay healthy while enjoying everything Ohio has to offer.
