Have doubts about climate change? Look no further than our tick population | Editorial

In the Midwest, the effects of climate change can often feel distant. For those who still doubt it, look no further than the humble tick.

Ticks have grown in both number and variety across Ohio. In the 1990s, Ohio only had a couple ticks that were of concern for disease transmission; we now have six species of concern. 

The explosion in population of these tiny creatures in Ohio is a direct result of climate change — one that deserves the urgent attention of public health officials, health care providers and parks alike.

A new report by the Environmental Law and Policy Center examining the effects of climate change on the lakes highlighted ticks in its report, noting that “a variety of tick species are undergoing range expansion and population increases throughout the Midwest.”

In addition to their expanded habitats, warmer winters have also shortened their dormant periods, making them more prevalent in the state than ever before.

As Dr. Timothy McDermott, an assistant professor at Ohio State University, pointed out in a recent column, the massive increase in the tick population has brought a 35-fold increase in Lyme disease to Ohio over the past decade. 

The Columbus Dispatch reported the number of confirmed Lyme disease cases in Ohio increased from 37 in 2010 to 1,298 in 2023, according to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH).

As of July 21, there have been 891 confirmed cases of Lyme disease statewide this year, including 20 in Summit County, 45 in Stark County, 23 in Wayne County, 10 in Medina County and nine in Portage County, according to the ODH.

This bacterial infection spread by deer ticks can cause a fever, chills and fatigue; however, these generalized symptoms can make Lyme disease difficult to diagnose, particularly if the signature bullseye rash is not present.  

Diagnostic tests cannot yet accurately identify the earliest stage of Lyme disease, and if it progresses, it is more difficult to treat and can lead to “prolonged and debilitating illness,” according to John Hopkins.

Though its rise is alarming, Lyme disease is no longer the only tick-bourne illness we need to be aware of. New species in Ohio are bringing with them new ailments — the lone star tick, for example, is a transmitter for alpha-gal syndrome, a potentially life-threatening allergy to a carbohydrate found in red meat and even some medications.

And as McDermott rightly points out in his column, ticks can also cause havoc to our agriculture industry and food chain, as they have been known to kill cattle.

It’s time for the state to start dedicating resources toward raising awareness around common tick misconceptions that can have potentially life-threatening consequences.

Health care providers need to be aware of the lesser-known symptoms of Lyme disease and keep it top-of-mind with patients, even if test results do not initially come back positive. Likewise, those in the medical profession should be aware of the new illnesses ticks can bring so they know to watch for the symptoms.

Public health officials should launch awareness campaigns so residents know how to protect themselves.

Our park systems, too, need to be active in raising awareness, as so many outdoor recreational areas are prime tick habitats. Signs on trailheads and pamphlets at visitor’s centers can go a long way in teaching effective and even natural alternatives to preventing tick bites.

This should be a warning to us all that even as we debate its cause, climate change is indeed happening. We need to take steps to mitigate it, but we also need to be prepared to adapt.

The booming tick population shows even the smallest changes can have widespread effects.

This piece was written by Akron Beacon Journal Opinion and Community Engagement Editor Theresa Bennett on behalf of the editorial board of the Beacon Journal. Editorials are fact-based assessments of issues of importance to the communities we serve. These are not the opinions of our reporting staff members, who strive for neutrality in their reporting.