Homepage

Lyme disease is on the rise. See case counts for NC + how to avoid tick bites

This story and visualization are part of our new “Data In Your Life” series, in which we mine public databases to tell quick stories about the world around us.

Lyme disease is one of the most prevalent insect-borne diseases in the country, with far more cases each year than other diseases carried by mosquitoes, fleas and ticks, such as West Nile Virus.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) most recent Lyme disease data is from 2022. In 2022, there were more than 62,000 reported cases of the tick-borne disease, but the CDC estimates that because of under-reporting, the true number of cases each year could be seven times that number.

The prevalence of the disease, which is spread to people through the bite of a blacklegged tick, or a deer tick, has increased dramatically since the U.S. first began tracking the disease in 1991. While better surveillance explains part of the increase, warming climate has also made more of the country suitable for the ticks that carry the disease.

When treated early, Lyme disease symptoms can go away entirely. However, if it is not treated early, the disease can be chronic, with symptoms such as arthritis, fatigue and persistent body aches.

See how deer ticks have spread across the U.S. since 1996.

While Lyme disease is most prevalent in the northeastern United States, as ticks have spread, so has the disease. In 2022, Vermont had one of the highest numbers of cases per capita with nearly 200 cases per 100,000 people. In 1996, Vermont had only one case per 100,000 people. The Midwest has especially increased in cases.

How to avoid tick bites

The CDC advises that people wear long pants and shirts when in tick-infested areas, such as wooded areas or areas with tall grass, and to tuck pants into socks to create a barrier.

The agency advises checking sensitive areas such as armpits and behind ears after spending time outside in one of these areas.

Read Next

How to identify Lyme disease after a tick bite

Lyme disease can be identified by a red, circular rash that appears at the site of a tick bite three to 30 days after being bitten, according to the CDC. The agency advises going to a health care provider immediately as soon as this type of rash is visible.

Lyme disease is most commonly reported in the spring, summer and fall, but ticks can be active at any time when the temperature is above freezing.

See how Lyme disease case counts have changed in North Carolina over time.

Cases of Lyme disease in North Carolina rise in spring and summer, when ticks and people are more active. A UNC researcher says doctors should be on the lookout for the illness, which used to be rare in the state.
Cases of Lyme disease in North Carolina rise in spring and summer, when ticks and people are more active. A UNC researcher says doctors should be on the lookout for the illness, which used to be rare in the state. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Lyme disease has become a common problem in counties in western North Carolina, and cases of the disease have been reported in nearly half the state’s counties. A UNC researcher says doctors aren’t usually looking for it, which delays diagnosis and treatment.
Lyme disease has become a common problem in counties in western North Carolina, and cases of the disease have been reported in nearly half the state’s counties. A UNC researcher says doctors aren’t usually looking for it, which delays diagnosis and treatment. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

This story was originally published September 23, 2024 at 8:00 AM with the headline "Lyme disease is on the rise. See case counts for NC + how to avoid tick bites."

ME
Madeline Everett
McClatchy DC
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER