LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – Tick experts are sounding the alarm, reminding everyone about the dangers of Lyme disease.

According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Lyme disease cases have increased by 168% over the last five years.

“There are a lot of variables that play a part in this increase: more ticks surviving winter, the behavior of the animals that spread ticks and diseases, and physician awareness,” said Rachel Burkholder, Vector-Borne Disease Epidemiologist with MDHHS.

Which means it’s best to take extra precautions when heading outdoors. Such as, wearing long sleeves and pants or using an EPA registered repellent.

“Just like when you go outside and use sunscreen because you don’t want to have cancer you should use repellent,” said Dr. Jean Tsao, MSU Professor and Disease Ecology Expert.

There are also steps to take when you come back inside after spending time outdoors.

“Shower as soon as you come inside, throw your clothes in the dryer on high heat for 10 minutes, do tick checks on yourself, your kids, and your pets,” said Burkholder.

Not just any tick carries Lyme disease, it’s specifically the Blacklegged (Deer) Tick.

“This tick was discovered in Michigan in the Upper Peninsula in the late 1980’s early 1990’s and the Lower Peninsula in Southwest Michigan in the early 2000’s and ever since then it’s just been spreading,” said Dr. Tsao.

Although statistics show Lyme disease is on the rise, experts don’t want people to be fearful of going outside and exploring nature.

“There’s a lot of benefit to being in the woods, but I do think people need to take precautions,” said Dr. Tsao

If you spot a tick on your body, keep the tick and take a picture. Upload it to any of the resources listed below to get more information about the tick:


MDHHS Tick Submission


The Tick App


Tick Encounter


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Tick season and what you should know


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