Lyme disease is on the uptick across Michigan, increasing by 168% in cases within the past five years, according to state data.
The inflammatory infection is caused by a bacteria carried by the black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick. Another tick-borne disease known as Anaplasmosis is also on the rise, increasing by nearly five-fold since 2020.
The cases are most common in along the state's southern west coast and in the Upper Peninsula by the Wisconsin border, according to Rachel Burkholder, a vector-borne disease specialist.
Burkholder, with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, said cases have been on the rise for decades now, and there are several drivers behind the trend.
"More ticks surviving winters, the behavior of animals that spread ticks and disease, more testing, deforestation — the variables are endless," she said.
The Michigan Climate and Health Adaptation Program, run by the state, has identified vector-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and West Nile Virus as a top health effect associated with climate change and milder winter temperatures.
The state and local health departments recommend that people avoid tick-infested areas like grassy and wooded areas, but some residents may report tick sightings in more developed areas. Burkholder said animals that carry ticks can be responsible for the appearance of the bugs where they don't usually live.
"Use tick and flea preventative on your pets and check them regularly for ticks," she said. "Check yourself regularly for ticks, especially if you've been outdoors."
MDHHS reports that there were 452 recorded cases of Lyme disease in 2020 and 1,215 in 2024 while there were 17 cases of Anaplasmosis in 2020 and 82 in 2024.
Burkholder says if you find a tick on you, remove it and monitor yourself for fever, rash, muscle or joint aches. Reach out to your medical provider if you suspect a tick has been attached for more than 24 hours.
For more information on emerging diseases, visit the MDDHS site. People can also snap photos of ticks and send them to Burkholder for identification by emailing MDHHS-Bugs@michigan.gov.
