Ballad Health sees increase in Lyme disease cases this summer

Ballad Health officials have reported an increase in Lyme disease cases so far this summer. Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports tick bites are causing a rise in emergency room visits. Ballad Health’s Chief Infection Prevention Officer Jamie Swift said throughout Ballad Health’s system, including it’s urgent care locations, 17 cases of Lyme disease were reported in June to the Department of Health for further testing. Swift said if you locate a tick it’s important to mark the date and then keep an eye out for any symptoms of illness in the weeks to come. Tick bite prevention includes keeping as much of your skin covered as possible with light-colored clothing being the best to be able to spot any ticks. Also important is use tick repellent. Most importantly, check for ticks on people and pets after being outside.