Ticks have caused the risk for lyme disease to continue spreading east in Michigan.
Although ticks can spread multiple illnesses, Lyme disease is the most commonly reported tick-borne disease in Michigan. Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted by the blacklegged/deer tick.
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The blacklegged tick is well-established in Michigan’s western Upper and Lower Peninsulas. However, it is expanding into new areas across the Lower Peninsula. In 2017, there were more than 300 human cases of Lyme disease reported, and approximately two out of three cases reported exposure in Michigan.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has an interactive map that tracks lyme disease cases, as well as cases of ticks found carrying the disease in the state.
Here's some of the Metro Detroit data from 2018:
- 40 ticks found with disease in Wayne County
- 104 found in Washtenaw County
- 33 found in Macomb County
- 88 found in Oakland County
- 18 found in Monroe County
You can check the full interactive disease tracker map here.
