Is the Tick-Related Lyme Disease Problem Getting Better or Worse in Indiana?

Mosquitoes and ticks are a significant health problem in Northwest Indiana, which is why natural mosquito control is so important. Otherwise, these pests are allowed to spread dangerous diseases that may impact the health of many individuals. For instance, Lyme Disease spread in Indiana is a concerning problem that needs the help of companies like Mosquito Squad of Northwest Indiana.

Just How Common is Lyme Disease in Indiana?

Lyme Disease infection in Northwest Indiana is not as heavy as in other states but remains a persistent problem. In the last reported statistics in 2018, it was found that Indiana had 155 reported cases of Lyme Disease. This number represented almost 2.5 cases per every 100,000 people in the area.

While this number may not be as high as states like Wisconsin, the relatively lower population of Indiana means that it does represent a higher population density. When calculated, 155 cases represent almost 2.5 cases per every 100,000 people in the area.

Typically, this issue was most common in the northwest of the state during the spring and summer. And these 155 reported cases have trended up from just 112 in 2014 to 141, 154, 144, and 155 since then. These jumps have been steady and are projected to get even higher.

And most experts believe that there is 10 times the number of unreported cases, meaning that upwards of 2,000 people could be suffering from Lyme Disease every year. They have also traced this problem to the density of tick populations in the area and tracked the percentage of ticks with Lyme Disease.

Infected Ticks are Highest in Northwest Indiana

Looking at a map of Lyme Disease-infected ticks is illuminating. The east, central, and southern portions of the state have few, to any, ticks infected with Lyme Disease. Some counties are as low as zero percent, while others may have only 5-10 percent of infected ticks.

Looking north, however, it becomes clear where the problem lies. The percent of the seven Indiana counties on the northern border finds infection rates as low as 33 percent and as high as a staggering 154 percent.

And those counties in Northwest Indiana have the highest infection rates. Lake has a percentage rate of 154, while porter has one of 101. Pulaski, southeast of these counties, has a rate as high as 135 percent, while St. Joseph to the northeast of this county has 145 percent. Elkhart, to the direct east of St. Joseph, has an infection rate of 143 percent.

The reasons for these high infection rates are uncertain but may be tied to the area's proximity to Michigan and Chicago, where Lyme Disease and ticks run rampant without great tick and mosquito treatment to handle these pests in Indiana yards.

How to Find Help

Please call us at Mosquito Squad of Northwest Indiana if you want the best mosquito control company and a team that knows how to handle ticks as well. Call (219) 402-3344 to talk to our team and get started protecting your family from Lyme Disease.