In 2014, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) reported 119 cases of Lyme disease from 32 Ohio counties. Cases of Lyme disease have steadily increased in Ohio over the past 3 years (66 cases in 2012, 93 cases in 2013, 119 cases in 2014) after an average of 53.5 cases reported annually for the prior 10 years (2002-2011). This increase in cases coincides with the spread in Ohio of the principal vector, Ixodes scapularis (the blacklegged tick), which until recently was not known to be established in the state. This tick is now found in at least 65 Ohio counties and the Lyme disease pathogen, Borrelia burgdorferi, is endemic in at least 24 counties (
Lyme-Disease-Map). We expect cases of Lyme disease to increase as the blacklegged tick continues to spread and become established in new areas. In addition to Lyme disease, the blacklegged tick is known to transmit two other diseases in Ohio: anaplasmosis and babesiosis.
To better understand the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases in Ohio and to continue raising awareness, ODH would like to ensure that all cases are detected. For this reason, ODH recommends that healthcare providers consider Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases in the differential diagnosis for patients who present with appropriate symptoms. The following tick-borne diseases are reportable diseases in Ohio, and any suspect or confirmed case should be reported to the local health department where the case resides:
Anaplasmosis & Ehrlichiosis (http://www.odh.ohio.gov/pdf/IDCM/ehrl.pdf)
Babesiosis (http://www.odh.ohio.gov/pdf/IDCM/babesia.pdf)
Lyme disease (http://www.odh.ohio.gov/pdf/IDCM/lyme.pdf)
Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis (http://www.odh.ohio.gov/pdf/IDCM/rmsf.pdf)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a two-step process to properly test for evidence of antibodies against Lyme disease bacteria ( Lyme-Disease-Testing). Additional information can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/lyme/healthcare/clinician_twotier.html
Tick-borne diseases typically occur during the spring and summer, although blacklegged ticks are active and may transmit disease year-round in Ohio. More detailed information about blacklegged ticks and tick-borne diseases in Ohio can be found on the Ohio Department of Health website (http://www.odh.ohio.gov/ticks). Please contact the Union County Health Department or the ODH Zoonotic Disease Program at 614-752-1029, option 1 if you have questions.
