WV’s Lyme disease crisis grows as cases skyrocket in northern panhandle

WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — Ohio County is seeing a dramatic rise in Lyme disease cases, reflecting a broader regional and national trend, according to the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department (WOCHD).

Local health officials are urging residents to take preventive steps as tick-borne illnesses continue to spread.

The CDC estimates that nearly 476,000 Americans are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year, and recent data shows the disease is now more widespread than ever before.

A side-by-side comparison of national maps shows a stark contrast between reported cases in 1995 and 2023, with the disease clearly expanding westward and southward across the U.S.

In the northern panhandle, the numbers are even more concerning. According to WOCHD, Ohio County recorded zero Lyme cases as recently as 2014. By 2020, that number jumped to 55 and by 2024, it spiked to 257 confirmed cases.

What Is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks (commonly called deer ticks).

According to WOCHD, it is the most commonly reported vector-borne illness in the United States.

Symptoms often appear 1–2 weeks after a tick bite and can include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Rash

If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to more severe complications, including joint swelling, neurological problems, and in rare cases, life-threatening infections.

However, early detection and antibiotic treatment are highly effective in preventing long-term health issues.

Other Tick-Borne Threats

WOCHD also warns that not all ticks carry Lyme, but some can transmit Anaplasmosis and Babesiosis, two potentially serious conditions that may also require urgent medical care.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

The Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department recommends several strategies to reduce the risk of tick-borne diseases:

• Avoid Tick-Prone Areas: Ticks are commonly found in tall grass, brush, and wooded areas. Stay in the center of trails when hiking and avoid brushing against vegetation.
• Use Insect Repellent: Choose EPA-registered repellents and consider treating clothing with permethrin, a chemical that kills ticks on contact. Never apply permethrin directly to skin.
• Perform Daily Tick Checks: After outdoor activity, inspect your body thoroughly — especially behind the ears, around the waist, and under arms. Don’t forget to check your pets.
• Shower Promptly: Bathing within two hours of coming indoors can help remove ticks before they bite. Wash clothes in hot water and tumble dry on high heat.
• Remove Ticks Safely: Use fine-tipped tweezers to grab the tick close to the skin and pull upward with steady pressure. Clean the bite area with soap and water or antiseptic.

Stay Alert, Stay Protected

With cases on the rise and tick season in full swing, WOCHD emphasizes the importance of awareness and prevention.

If you’ve been bitten or begin experiencing symptoms after outdoor exposure, consult a healthcare provider immediately.

For more information on Lyme disease and prevention tips, contact the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department or visit the CDC’s Lyme disease resource page.