Lyme disease cases have increased 14-fold in the state since 2010. This increase coincides with the spread and increase of the principal vector, Ixodes scapularis (the blacklegged tick) throughout the state.
We are headed into the late spring and early summer months when contact with ticks increases and when most cases of Lyme diseases and other tick-borne diseases occur.
To ensure that as many cases are appropriately reported as possible, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is asking physicians and other healthcare professionals to consider Lyme disease and other tickborne diseases in their differential diagnosis for patients presenting with compatible symptoms.
ODH also encourages physicians and other healthcare professionals to help increase patient awareness by providing patient education on tickborne disease prevention.
For more information about the diagnosis, treatment, and reporting of Lyme disease and other tickborne diseases, view this ODH memo.