Ticks that carry Lyme disease are common in Ohio. Learn the symptoms and when to get care right away.
Published May 18, 2026
Contributed by: Jeremiah Escajeda, MD / Emergency Medicine
Tick Bite in Ohio? Know When to Get Care for Lyme Disease
Warmer weather means more time outside. But it also means tick season has arrived in Ohio—especially for the blacklegged deer tick, which can spread Lyme disease.
According to Jeremiah Escajeda, MD, an emergency medicine provider at MetroHealth, spring and early summer are the busiest times for tick bites.
“The blacklegged deer tick is the main carrier of Lyme disease,” he says. “During this stage of life, ticks are very small—about the size of a poppy seed—so they can be hard to spot.”
These ticks are found in every county in Ohio. That’s why it’s important to know how to stay safe and when to seek care.
The Uptick in Lyme Disease Ticks
Studies from The Ohio State University show that more ticks in Ohio are carrying Lyme disease than in the past. This means your risk of getting a tick bite—and Lyme disease—is higher.
In 2025, Ohio reported more than 2,800 cases of Lyme disease. Most cases are mild and easy to treat, especially when found early. But if not treated, Lyme disease can cause serious health problems.
Diseases from Tick Bites
Lyme disease is the most common illness from a tick bite. But ticks can also spread:
- Anaplasmosis
- Babiosis
- Powassan virus
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Lyme Disease Symptoms and When to Get Medical Care
Tick bites often do not hurt, so you may not know you were bitten. Lyme disease symptoms can start days or even weeks later.
A common sign of Lyme disease is a red rash that looks like a bull’s-eye. It can appear anywhere on your body. Other symptoms may feel like the flu, including:
- Body aches
- Chills
- Fever
- Feeling very tired
- Headaches
“If you have fever or chills during the warmer months without a cough or a runny nose, it could be a sign of Lyme disease,” he says. “If you also notice a target-shaped rash, it’s a good idea to visit Express Care or the emergency department.”
In rare cases, Lyme disease can also affect your heart or nervous system.
Get Emergency Care Right Away If You Have:
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Drooping on one side of your face
- Fainting
- Fast or uneven heartbeat
- Sensitivity to light
- Stiff neck
- Severe headaches
- Trouble breathing
Lyme Disease Treatment
Lyme disease is usually treated with an antibiotic called doxycycline.
How much medicine you need—and how long you need to take it—depends on when you were bitten.
“It usually takes at least 24 to 36 hours for a tick to spread Lyme disease,” Dr. Escajeda says. “That’s why it’s important to check for ticks after spending time outside.”
If you find a tick bite early, one dose of medicine may help prevent Lyme disease. If not, your doctor may give you antibiotics for a longer time.
“The sooner Lyme disease is diagnosed and treated, the better.” Dr. Escajeda says.
How to Prevent Tick Bites in Ohio
Ticks do not jump or fly. They crawl onto people and animals from tall grass, bushes, and wooded areas.
“Ticks wait in tall grass and bushes for people or animals to pass by,” Dr. Escajeda says. “After spending time outside, check your body carefully—especially warm areas like the groin, armpits, and behind the knees.”
To help prevent tick bites:
- Use bug spray with DEET, picaridin or IR3535
- Wear long sleeves and long pants
- Tuck your pants into your socks when hiking
- Wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot
- Stay on marked trails
After being outside, check your body for ticks, especially:
- Under arms
- Behind knees
- Around the waist
- In the groin area
How to Remove a Tick Safely
- Use tweezers to remove the tick.
- Grab the tick close to the skin and pull straight up. Do not twist.
- Try to remove the whole tick, including the head.
Watch for Lyme disease symptoms and contact your provider if needed.
Worried about a tick bite or Lyme disease symptoms?
MetroHealth offers care for tick bites and Lyme disease at virtual urgent care, Express Care, emergency departments and primary care offices.
Your Questions Answered
Q: Should I save the tick after I remove it?
A: Yes. Put it in a sealed plastic bag and bring it to your provider or send a picture of it in MyChart.
Q: Can a tick bite make me allergic to meat?
A: Yes. Some tick bites can lead to a red meat allergy.
Q: How long should I watch for Lyme disease symptoms?
A: Watch for a few weeks. Contact your provider if you have a rash, fever, chills or body aches.
