Ottawa County Health Department data shows Lyme disease cases more than doubled in just one year, jumping from 44 cases in 2024 to 91 cases in 2025.
That trend mirrors a massive statewide surge, with cases nearly quadrupling between 2022 and 2025, leading the CDC to designate Michigan as a “high incidence jurisdiction” for the first time.
“What we're finding is that the tick populations are expanding due to milder, winters and also greater awareness in the area, and increased testing by healthcare providers.”
Environmental Public Health Supervisor Drew Shaw runs Ottawa County’s tick and mosquito monitoring program, and prevention education..
“Doing the tick checks after you get back inside is a very important thing, and with that, make sure you check all the areas where you don't think you need to check: behind the knees, between your legs, armpits, belly buttons, even up into your hair.”
Shaw recommends carefully checking pets as well, even those using prevention medications, as the ticks don’t die but simply fall off and can then attach to people.
To keep residents informed, the county is offering Tick Talk — a free educational program on ticks, tick-related illness, and outdoor safety Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 6-8PM at Hemlock Crossing Nature Education Center.
The evening will feature Dr. Will Miller, a wildlife biologist at Calvin University, alongside representatives from the Ottawa County Department of Public Health.
Attendees will hear how ticks are monitored locally, learn which species are most common in the area, and walk away with practical steps for prevention — from what to wear on the trail to how to do a proper tick check on kids, adults, and pets.
The program will close with a panel discussion and time for questions.
For a weekly dose of news right to your inbox, sign up for the WGVU newsletter.
