Muskingum County Lyme Cases Jump to 291 in 2025 From 17 in 2017
Updated
Updated · WHIZ · Jul 7
Muskingum County Lyme Cases Jump to 291 in 2025 From 17 in 2017
1 articles · Updated · WHIZ · Jul 7
Summary
Muskingum County confirmed 291 Lyme disease cases in 2025, up from 89 in 2021 and 17 in 2017, prompting local officials to urge extra precautions outdoors.
Ticks are spreading bacteria that cause Lyme disease and other illnesses through bites, with health officials also reporting frequent Rocky Mountain spotted fever cases and rarer ehrlichiosis.
Symptoms do not always include the classic bullseye rash; officials said fatigue, headaches, joint aches and broader muscle pain can also signal infection.
Untreated Lyme disease can lead to long-term arthritis and joint swelling, sometimes lasting for years or even lifelong, the county epidemiologist said.