Lyme Disease and Tick Bites in West Michigan

Lyme Disease in Grand Rapids and West Michigan

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in the United States, and the blacklegged tick (deer tick) that spreads it has been expanding across Michigan — including the western Lower Peninsula and the Grand Rapids region. As more West Michigan residents hike, camp, hunt, garden, and walk dogs in wooded and grassy areas, knowing how to prevent tick bites matters more than ever.

Lyme disease is treatable, especially when caught early. Prevention and quick tick removal are your best defense.

How Lyme spreads

Lyme is caused by bacteria carried by infected blacklegged ticks. A tick usually has to be attached for 24–48 hours to transmit Lyme, which is why finding and removing ticks quickly is so effective. Ticks are most active in spring, summer, and fall, but can be out any time the temperature is above freezing.

Prevent tick bites

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent (DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus).
• Treat clothing and gear with permethrin, or buy pre-treated items.
• Walk in the center of trails and avoid brushing against tall grass and brush.
• Wear light-colored clothing, long sleeves, and tuck pants into socks so ticks are easier to spot.
• Check for ticks after being outdoors — including your kids, gear, and pets.
• Shower within two hours of coming inside, and run clothes in a hot dryer for 10 minutes to kill ticks.
• Talk to your vet about tick prevention for dogs.

How to remove a tick

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
2. Pull straight up with steady, even pressure — don’t twist or jerk.
3. Clean the bite and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
4. Don’t use petroleum jelly, nail polish, or a hot match — those don’t work and can make things worse.

You don’t usually need to save the tick, but noting the date of the bite can help your doctor.

Know the early signs

Symptoms usually appear 3 to 30 days after a bite:

• A rash — classically a “bullseye” (erythema migrans) that slowly expands, though not everyone gets the classic ring
• Fever, chills, fatigue
• Headache, muscle and joint aches
• Swollen lymph nodes

See a doctor promptly if you develop a rash or flu-like symptoms after a tick bite or time outdoors. Early Lyme disease is treated effectively with antibiotics. Untreated, it can spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system. Other tick-borne illnesses (such as anaplasmosis) also occur in Michigan, so tell your provider about any recent tick exposure.