ODH: Tick-Borne Diseases Increasing In Ohio

(ONN) – The Ohio Department of Health says tick-borne diseases are increasing statewide.

Epidemiologist Allison Zandarski says last year, there were 293 cases of Lyme disease in Ohio and this year there’s expected to be even more.

“We are seeing an increase in the number of ticks and diseases they cause, and the more you hear about it the more you’re going to watch for it.”

She says people need to be proactive in protecting themselves from ticks.

She says the department of health goes with “protect, check, remove and watch.”

If you do get bit, use tweezers and apply a slow, upward motion to remove the tick.

Then, watch for signs, like fever, chills and a rash, which could take two weeks to appear.