Amanda Forrester / news@whmi.com

Officials are urging people to take steps to avoid tick bites during the warm weather.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said tick-borne diseases, particularly Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, are increasing across the state.

Lyme disease cases have jumped 168% in the last five years. There were 1,215 cases last year, compared to only 452 in 2020. Anaplasmosis cases have increased nearly fivefold over the same period, with 82 cases in 2024 compared to 17 in 2020.

“Preventing tick bites is the best way to prevent tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease and anaplasmosis,” Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Chief Medical Executive for the MDHHS, said. “If you find a tick attached to your body, promptly remove it. Monitor your health, and if you experience fever, rash, muscle or joint aches or other symptoms, or if you suspect a tick has been attached for more than 24 hours, consult with your medical provider.”

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in the state. It is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. Early symptoms include a rash, most commonly identified by a bulls-eye pattern, fever and muscle aches. Later symptoms include facial palsy, heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat and arthritis, according to the CDC.

Anaplasmosis, the second most common tick-borne disease, is caused by the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum and causes mild symptoms early on, such as fever and nausea, before resulting in respiratory failure, bleeding problems, organ failure and death if not treated, according to the CDC.

Early treatment with antibiotics can decrease the chances of serious complications. Symptoms of tick-borne illnesses typically begin one or two weeks after a bite.

Both diseases are transmitted by the blacklegged or deer tick. The blacklegged tick is well-established in areas of both peninsulas, with its range expanding over the years.

Officials said people can protect themselves from tick-borne diseases by following these tips:

- Avoid tick-infested areas.
As ticks live in grassy, brushy and wooded areas, individuals should walk in the center of trails to avoid contact with overgrown grass, brush and leaf litter at trail edges.
Dogs and cats can encounter ticks outdoors and bring them into the home. Talk with your veterinarian about the best tick prevention products.

-Use insect repellent.
Apply an EPA-registered repellent on exposed skin. Find a repellent product that is right for you.
Treat clothes (especially pants, socks and shoes) with permethrin, which kills ticks on contact or buy clothes that are pre-treated. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying repellents.

- Perform daily tick checks.
Always check for ticks on yourself and your animals after being outdoors, including in your own yard.
Inspect all body surfaces carefully and remove attached ticks carefully with tweezers.
To remove a tick, grasp the tick firmly and as closely to the skin as possible. With steady, even pressure, pull the tick’s body upward and away from the skin. Cleanse the area with an antiseptic.

- Bathe or shower.
Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks.
Wash clothing in hot water and dry on high heat to kill ticks in clothing.

Not all ticks spread the same germs or illnesses. Residents can email photos of ticks to mdhhs-bugs@michigan.gov for identification. Ticks can also be submitted to MDHHS for identification for free.

More information can be found at michigan.gov/lyme or cdc.gov/lyme.