LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – When Michigan weather warms up for the spring, health officials anticipate that the number of ticks and the accompanying diseases will also be on the rise. 

“Tick illnesses have definitely spread in recent years, and I think it’s just good to be vigilant checking for ticks,” Health Officer for the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department and Health Department of Northwest Michigan, Dan Thorell said. 

MORE NEWS: Lions Headed to Texas; Add Edge Rusher Smith

In places like Benzie and Leelanau counties, tick-borne illnesses have doubled from 2021 to 2022 according to Thorell. 

“When you’re in certain areas of the state, especially along the coast line and areas of the U.P., Lyme disease is just much more prevalent in those areas. I think we need to be more vigilant,” Thorell said.

While ticks are capable of transmitting a host of diseases, the most common one is Lyme Disease, which can leave the person bitten with symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans.  Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics.  Still, doctors encourage people to take steps to prevent the disease by applying pesticides, reducing tick habitats, using insect repellent, and removing ticks promptly.  

Some common habitats include moist areas in wooded and grassy locations, where it is shady according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.  Additionally, they can be found off of established trails in high grass, or on brush and ground that’s covered in fallen leaves.  MDHHS also encourages people to always check for ticks after being outdoors or even in their own backyard.  

“Remove ticks from your clothes before going indoors,” the MDHHS said in a statement, “To kill ticks that you may have missed, place clothes in a dryer on high heat for at least ten minutes.” 

MORE NEWS: Report: How Trump Won Michigan

For pets that also can be affected by many of the same illnesses that people can be plagued with, it is important to take steps to prevent infection for your furry friends.  The MDHHS encourages the use of flea and tick preventatives in conjunction with checking for ticks.

“Preventing tick bites is the best way to prevent tick-borne diseases,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive in a statement. “Michigan residents who find a tick attached to their body should promptly remove it and monitor their health. If they begin to experience fever, rash, muscle or joint aches or other symptoms, they should consult a medical provider.”

Those who wish to submit photos of ticks for identification purposes may do so to, MDHHS-Bugs@michigan.gov, or visit Michigan.gov/Lyme for more information regarding submission options.