County Health Officials Urge Tick Bite Prevention as Lyme Disease Cases Stay High
DOVER (WJER) (July 14, 2026) — Tuscarawas County health officials are urging residents to take precautions against tick bites as Lyme disease cases remain elevated for a fourth consecutive year.
The Tuscarawas County Health Department reported 123 suspected cases among county residents from January through June, nearly matching the 126 reported during the same period last year. Officials say 18 more cases were reported during the first 10 days of July.
Environmental Health Operations Administrator Mike Kopko recommends keeping grass mowed and taking precautions outdoors, including wearing long sleeves and pants and using insect repellent.
Health Department spokeswoman Jennifer Demuth says anyone who finds a tick attached to their skin should remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers, pulling straight out with steady pressure. Lyme disease typically is not transmitted until a tick has been attached for 36 to 48 hours, making early removal important.
Demuth says anyone who develops symptoms such as a bull’s-eye rash, fever, or joint pain after a tick bite should contact a health care provider.