Health Officials Report Risk Of Lyme Disease-Infected Ticks In Washtenaw County

ANN ARBOR (WWJ) - Health officials are alerting residents about the possible presence of Lyme disease in Southeast Michigan.

The Washtenaw County Public Health department says a man there has been diagnosed with the infection, which is caused by a bite from an infected blacklegged tick.

Laura Bauman, an epidemiology manager for the department, says cases of Lyme disease usually occur annually among residents — but are normally associated with travel along the lake shore of West Michigan or to other states where ticks are more common.

That is not the case here.

"When we spoke with this individual, he had classic symptoms of Lyme disease — including the classic bull's eye rash that you can get with Lyme disease, and he had not traveled outside of Washtenaw County for a number of months," Bauman told WWJ's Jason Scott.

Bauman said there are normally roughly eight to 10 cases of Lyme disease reported in the county each year. Other symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue and aching muscles or joints.

"The likelihood of infection is probably still low in our area. But, we'll know more as our local health care providers continue to identify and report cases to us. Residents can also help by submitting ticks for testing," she said.

The best way to combat chances of contracting Lyme: Apply insect repellents with DEET to clothes and exposed skin during the warmer months and wear long pants when possible. Also, check yourself for ticks after spending time outside.

Bauman said, if the bug is removed quickly, you're likely in the clear.

"Many times people don't remember that they've actually had a tick bite," she said. "The tick needs to be attached typically for at least 24 hours to transfer the Lyme bacteria to someone."

To learn more about the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease and about prevention, visit this link.