Lyme Disease in Florida is a Bigger Threat Than You Think

Posted by Mosquito Squad

August 6, 2024

According to the Florida Lyme Disease Association, cases of Lyme infection remain vastly under-reported.

The latest CDC data show Florida with 233 confirmed cases of Lyme disease in 2022. In that same year, 63,000 cases were reported by all U.S. state health departments. Today, in 2024, the CDC suggests that the number of actual cases nationwide is nearly 7.5 times the number reported, totaling 476,000. If we apply that to the number of reported cases in Florida, our actual number could total about 1,750. But we’re about to blow your mind!

How much is Lyme under-reported in Florida?

There are different standards by which Florida’s under-reporting are held. It’s true throughout reporting history that confirmed cases of Lyme disease have been predominantly in the Northeastern Coast and Midwest United States. You might be surprised to find out that even though the U.S. approximation is 7.5 times higher than what is confirmed annually. Florida is purported to be reporting only one out of 50 actual cases. The number of cases of Lyme disease in 2022 could be increased 50-fold, totaling an estimation of 11,700.

Why is Florida so highly under-reported?

Here again, we will offer the conclusions made by Florida Lyme Disease Association’s President, Melissa Bell. Throughout history, a major focus has been placed on Lyme infection rates in high-incidence states. Florida is deemed a state of low incidence, having been told that either Lyme infection does not exist here, or that it is at least very rare.

The fact that Lyme disease is said to be of little consequence here in Florida leads to doctors refusing to test for it, even for patients with a known tick bite paired with symptoms of Lyme disease. This leads to further complications as time passes because the treatment window expires.

If Lyme disease is diagnosed quickly, it can be cured with a course of Doxycycline.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease

If you live in or have visited Florida and have received a bite from a blacklegged tick the treatment clock begins to tick. Symptoms of Lyme disease can begin anywhere from three to 30 days after the tick attachment. Be hyper-aware of even mild symptoms of illness within 30 days of the tick bite. These might include the following.

Low-grade fever
Chills
Headache
Swollen glands
Lethargy
Muscle and joint pain
Stiff neck
Loss of appetite
Bullseye rash around bite site (not always present)

When it comes to properly diagnosing and reporting Lyme disease cases in Florida, awareness is essential. Lyme disease can and does exist in Florida. Speak with your physician about your suspicions of Lyme infection after you experience a tick bite, and advocate for proper testing and immediate intervention if diagnosed.

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