WARNING: Michigan Disease Has Spiked 168% – What You Can Do?

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is urging Michiganders to do what they can to prevent a disease that has gone up an astonishing 168% in the last five years.

But the MDHHS says that there are steps that you can take to protect yourself, your family and your pets.

What Are The Most Common Diseases Transmitted by Tick Bites?

The most common disease that ticks transmit in the State of Michigan is Lyme Disease. It's caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. The second most common tick-transmitted disease in the Great Lakes State is another bacterium known as Anaplasma phagocytophilum.

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Both of these diseases are transmitted by blacklegged or deer ticks, known as Ixodes scapularis in the science world. These ticks make up around 20% of Michigan ticks.

Why Are Ticks in Michigan Surging Out of Control?

Over the last five years there has been a 168% uptick of Lyme Disease cases among Michiganders across the state. According to a report Michigan had 452 cases of Lyme Disease in 2020, and that number surged to 1,215 cases last year in 2024.

READ MORE: Michigan Cities Rank on Worst U.S. Mosquito Cities  

On top of that cases of Anaplasmosis, another disease transmitted by tick bites which is more common in Northern Michigan, jumped nearly five times in the same period. That number exploded from 17 cases in 2020 to a staggering 82 cases in 2024.

How To Protect Yourself From Michigan Ticks

There are several ways to avoid a potential tick bite such as avoiding tick-infested areas including overgrown grassy and bushy areas. When pets go outside and walk through these areas be sure to check them for ticks. Your vet can suggest options for your specific pet.

READ MORE: Why Are We Seeing So Many Spiders in Michigan Right Now?

In addition to checking your pets, check yourself and family members frequently if you have been in these areas. It's a good idea to take a bath or shower after exposure to these areas of tick-prone vegetation. Use an insect repellant that includes tick repellant that is registered by the EPA.

If you find a tick that has attached itself to you or someone else, including pets, carefully remove the tick with a pair of tweezers.