Belmont County achieved a dubious distinction this year — it has more confirmed cases of Lyme disease than any other county in the Buckeye State.

According to Belmont County Deputy Health Commissioner Rob Sproul, 106 cases of the illness had been diagnosed in the county as of Wednesday. The Ohio Department of Health listed 94 confirmed cases in Belmont County as of July 30, with Jefferson County close behind at 88 cases.

There have been 1,131 cases across Ohio so far in 2025.

We owe this problem, in part, to the natural beauty of our region. Things are green and growing here, and that provides ample food for animals such as white-tailed deer that carry the ticks that spread the bacteria that cause the illness. Sproul noted that new species of ticks are moving into the area, bringing more Lyme disease and other diseases with them.

He cautioned that local residents should be on the lookout for ticks and should seek medical attention immediately if they believe they have been bitten and infected.

So how can we better protect ourselves?

Sproul suggests wearing protective clothing or using repellent products while being active outdoors. Long, close-fitting pants and sleeves can help prevent ticks from gaining access to your skin.

According to Sproul, people should continue to take precautions against ticks in the autumn and winter months.

To make your own lawn less appealing to ticks, keep your grass cut short. Black-legged ticks, the primary species that spreads Lyme disease don’t like a hot, dry environment, so keep grass at 4 inches or shorter.

If you live near woodlands, create a barrier of dry mulch between it and your lawn. Use plants such as garlic, mint, lavender, marigolds and others with strong-smelling oils to help keep ticks away from your home and remove debris.

As cases continue to climb, ratchet up your awareness and protect yourself and your family.