Public Health of Madison and Dane County said the rise marks a rough start to tick season in Wisconsin's capital region.
Officials linked the surge largely to deer ticks, which can spread Lyme disease and other infections, and urged residents to use repellent, wear protective clothing and check themselves and pets.
Early tick-borne illness symptoms can include fever, fatigue and rash, sometimes appearing weeks after a bite, as the Midwest sees broader tick-related problems.
With tick-borne illnesses surging in Wisconsin, could the new Lyme vaccine finally turn the tide—or will climate change keep raising the stakes?
Why are tick populations exploding across the Midwest, and could your neighborhood be the next hotspot for Lyme or other tick-borne diseases?
If symptoms of Lyme disease can appear weeks after a bite and without a rash, how can you really know if you’re safe after spending time outdoors?