Experts and doctors are urging people to check for ticks as Lyme disease cases pick up to pre-COVID-19 levels. The recommendation is to cover up with gloves, hats, and bug spray as warmer weather marks the start of tick season in Mid-Missouri.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Lyme disease tracker, about 27 cases of Lyme disease per 100,000 people were reported in 2023, a record high. This surge marks a clear increase that began in 2022, with rates far surpassing the previous national peak of around 13 cases per 100,000 people in 2017.

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While Missouri hasn’t seen record-high case numbers or tick activity like the Northeast and north central regions, CDC data shows Lyme disease rates in the state have returned to pre-pandemic levels, with the most active months being between April and September.

The most common ticks in Missouri include Amblyomma americanum, or the lone star tick, signified by a white star-shaped mark on its back, and the Dermacentor variabilis, also known as the American dog tick. The lone star tick spreads bacteria that cause ehrlichiosis, and Missouri is among the states with the highest prevalence of the disease. -ABC 17 News

Dr. Chris Baughman, an assistant veterinarian of Noah’s Ark Animal Hospital, recommends doing tick checks after walks or when an animal goes outside with a focus on bumps on an animal’s ears, head, armpits, and hips. The CDC also recommends checking the animal’s tail and between its toes.

There are preventative sprays, creams, tablets and collars for animals, but Baughman recommends owners check in with their local veterinarian to find what works best for their pet. He adds that owners should read the instructions on repellents before use, since some only work on specific animals.

“If they get on the hair, they can potentially get access to you in the house or other family members or other pets,” Baughman said. “So even if you have an indoor-only cat, but your dog’s going outside, just checking each one of them daily, making sure we didn’t get any hitchhikers coming inside.” -ABC 17 News

Protect yourself and your pets. Lyme disease has an interesting history, but its not something to mess around with.

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