In the last 10 years, cases of Lyme disease have continued to skyrocket.
Washtenaw County Health Department spokesperson Beth Ann Hamilton said that includes here in Washtenaw County.
“The risk for Lyme disease in Washtenaw County really has increased a lot over the last couple of years; even last year we had a 65% increase from 2024 to 2025.”
Hamilton says ticks thrive in warmer temperatures and high humidity. She said symptoms usually show up in 3- 30 days after a tick bite. The disease is caused by a bacteria spread by black legged deer ticks.
“Symptoms usually start with a fever, a headache, or fatigue. Some people get this characteristic bullseye rash on their skin where the bite happened, and if it's left untreated that infection can spread it can get more serious. It can impact your joints, your heart, your nervous system.”
Precautions outdoors include wearing light-colored clothing, tucking pants into socks, and using an EPA approved repellant.
If caught early, Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics. If you can remove the tick with the head intact before 36 hours you have a better chance of avoiding the disease, said Hamilton.
Animals can also be affected but the bullseye rash seen in people is not commonly seen in dogs. Cats can be infected but rarely develop symptoms.
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