Overview

• Berlin recorded 206 Lyme disease cases by June 18, up from an average of 146 during the same period in 2015–2019.
• Authorities logged 23 new cases in the past week and diagnosed two instances of Lyme arthritis, which primarily affects the knee joints.
• Experts warn that milder, wetter winters and earlier springs have extended tick activity into the spring months, increasing human exposure.
• Typical symptoms include the expanding erythema migrans rash, localized swelling, fever, and muscle or joint pain, with timely treatment crucial to prevent complications.
• Health officials recommend removing ticks promptly after a bite and urge those with suspicious symptoms to seek medical attention, noting that no vaccine is currently available.