MADISON, Wis. (WNC) — It’s Lyme Awareness Month and the latest state data shows Wisconsin recently recorded the highest number of Lyme disease cases in state history.
Experts are urging residents to be mindful of the ticks that carry it as they become more active across the state. There are 16 confirmed tick species in Wisconsin, but experts are focused on the “black-legged tick” – or the “deer tick” – in the transmission of Lyme disease.
State entomologist Dr. Xia Lee says some ticks, especially younger ones, may be harder to spot.
“Those are usually the ones that we associate with a lot of the cases of Lyme disease or tick-born diseases, most active in June and July, and this is also reflected in the number of people who go into the emergency department or go into the physician for tick bite-related illness,” Lee said.
Experts recommend taking preventative measures when spending time outdoors like wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent. They add that you should perform tick checks and shower after any outdoor activity.