Ohio Flags 6 Tick Hotspots as Belmont County Leads 2026 Lyme Cases

4 articles · Updated · Worldatlas.com · May 26

Belmont County has the most confirmed Lyme disease cases in Ohio in 2026, as the state highlights six counties with heavy tick activity and rising health risks.
Coshocton, Jefferson, Licking, Muskingum and Tuscarawas joined Belmont on the list, with Coshocton showing deer ticks carrying Lyme at rates as high as 47.6% in an Ohio State study.
Muskingum has recorded an over 1,100% increase in Lyme cases, while Licking is considered Lyme-endemic and Tuscarawas officials warn residents about deer, Lone Star and American dog ticks.
Ohio links the spread to mild winters, rising temperatures, expanding deer populations and new tick species, with black-legged ticks most active in May and June and other common species active through September.
Health officials urge long sleeves, repellents with up to 30% DEET, daily tick checks and removal within 24 hours to cut Lyme risk.

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