LANSING, Mich. (News 10) – Tick populations in Michigan are increasing, and so are the health risks they carry. Lyme disease cases in the state have risen sixfold in the past three years, according to a study from McLaren Health.
Dr. Julie Kehdi, an infectious disease physician with University of Michigan Health Sparrow, said ticks are becoming more common and more varied in species.
“Over the past 5-10 years, more recently, we’re seeing a lot more ticks in Michigan — not just more ticks, but also different species of ticks,” Kehdi said. “One of them is the deer tick, and also called the black-legged tick. That’s the one that can transmit Lyme disease.”
A firsthand encounter on the trail
Robert Berger, who regularly walks his dog Spot on local trails, said he recently discovered a tick on his body after a walk…