Cases of West Nile virus and Lyme disease are increasing in Ohio

OHIO – The Ohio Department of Health continues to track vector-borne diseases in the Buckeye State, noting an increase in cases of Lyme disease, West Nile virus and anaplasmosis in its Nov. 1 report.

Vector-borne diseases are transmitted through mosquitoes, fleas, and tick bites.

ODH reported 12 West Nile virus cases in six women and six men. The department reported four asymptomatic blood donors, one bird case and three horse cases.

The human cases were reported in Lucas, Henry, Hancock, Auglaize, Franklin, Lorain, Cuyahoga, Stark and Ashtabula counties.

Symptoms of West Nile virus include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There was also an increase in Lyme disease cases from 1,002 to 1,118 cases. The cases affect 506 women and 610 men.

The counties reporting the most cases include: Tuscarawas County, with 81; Jefferson County with 76; Licking County with 74; Columbiana County with 63 and Stark County with 56.

Common symptoms of tick bites to monitor include fever, rash, chills and pain. The CDC recommends limiting exposure to areas where the insects are known to frequent to prevent infection with tick-related diseases. The department said EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET or products containing 0.5% permethrin can also help prevent bites.

ODH also reported 17 cases of anaplasmosis in six women and 11 men.

The department also reported unchanged numbers for La Crosse, three cases; babesiosis, three cases; cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, 13; and Ehrlichiosis cases, 17.

You can find more information about preventing tick bites here.