Original source (on modern site)
With the onset of summer fast approaching, the Macomb County Health Department would like to inform residents that ticks are currently active in Macomb County and across the state of Michigan, and that there are steps and actions that can be taken to prevent illnesses spread by ticks, such as Lyme disease. "Because we have had a relatively mild winter and spring season, there is an elevated probability of the presence of ticks," said Tom Barnes, division director of the Macomb County Health Department's Environmental Health Division. "So as we start to spend more and more time outdoors in the spring and summer, we all need to be mindful of the presence of ticks and some of the strategies to avoid tick bites, and potentially, Lyme disease." According to the 2022 Michigan Emerging and Zoonotic Disease Surveillance Study, the state of Michigan has experienced increased growth of Lyme disease - from 262 cases in 2018, to a high of 862 in 2021 to 546 in 2022. Eleven of the 546 cases in 2022 were identified in Macomb County. In addition, Macomb County has also experienced a steady increase of Lyme disease over the past eight years, with three cases in 2016 to 15 cases in 2023. Lyme disease is caused by bacteria and is spread through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks (also known as deer ticks). The presence of the blacklegged tick in Michigan is growing. In fact, based on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' 2024 Michigan Lyme Disease Risk Map, 81 of Michigan's 83 counties have a known risk for Lyme disease, or potential risk for Lyme disease. Local surveillance efforts by the Macomb County Health Department on blacklegged ticks that were collected in 2021 and 2022 tested positive for the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Test results on blacklegged ticks that were collected in 2023 are currently not available. Ticks can attach to any part of the human body but are often found in hard-to-see areas such as the groin, armpits, and scalp. In most cases, the tick must be attached for 36-48 hours or more before Lyme disease can be transmitted. Because of this, doing a full-body check to find and remove ticks after spending time outdoors is important. Ticks should be removed by grasping the tick with fine-tipped tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pulling upward with steady, even pressure. If someone is bitten by a tick that is suspected or confirmed to be a blacklegged tick, they should call their healthcare provider. Symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, headache, and fatigue. Many people, but not all, will get a characteristic "bull's-eye" skin rash. If untreated, infections can become serious. Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with antibiotics. Here are some suggestions to help avoid ticks: Before You Go Outdoors: After You Come Indoors: