Kalamazoo County receives tick test results

The Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department received test results from blacklegged ticks submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last October.

Out of the 76 blacklegged ticks captured and identified earlier that year, 22 tested positive for Lyme Disease—which can spread to the heart, nervous system and joints if left untreated.

Vector-borne disease surveillance – such as tick dragging – yields critical data that the Environmental Health team can use to protect citizens from possible illnesses, such as Lyme Disease, according to Environmental Health Division Manager Lucus Pols.

While tick exposure can occur year-round, the disease-carrying pests tend to be most active during the warmer months of April through September.