Why Lyme Disease is More Common Than Known

• Massive Underreporting: While the CDC receives reports of roughly 30,000–89,000 cases annually, insurance data and clinical investigations suggest the actual number treated for the disease is closer to 476,000.

• Climate Change & Expansion: Warmer temperatures and increased humidity have expanded the habitat of the black-legged (deer) tick, allowing them to thrive in new areas.

• Surveillance Gaps: Official reports rely on specific, narrow criteria, whereas many patients are treated based on clinical symptoms before a positive lab test, leaving them out of the statistics.

• Global Prevalence: A 2022 review indicated that over 14% of the world's population likely has, or has had, Lyme disease, with high rates in East Asia, Central Europe, and Western Europe.

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• Key Factors for Increased Risk

• Rising Tick Population: More ticks living in more places, particularly in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and upper Midwest, directly translate to higher infection rates.

• Suburban Development: As more people live near wooded areas, interactions with tick habitats increase.

• Diagnosis Challenges: Symptoms can be varied and often mimic other illnesses, leading to missed or delayed diagnoses.

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• How to Protect Yourself

• Check Frequently: Perform thorough tick checks on your body after being outdoors.

• Use Repellent: Use EPA-registered insect repellents.

• Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas.

• Shower Promptly: Shower soon after being in wooded areas to wash off unattached ticks.