The U.S. witnessed a significant surge of almost 70% in Lyme disease cases in 2022, a rise attributed to changes in reporting requirements rather than a substantial increase in new infections, according to health officials.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) disclosed in a report released on Thursday that reported Lyme disease cases exceeded 62,000 in 2022. This marks a notable uptick from the annual average of around 37,000 reported cases between 2017 and 2019. The CDC plans to release 2023 figures later this year.
Lyme disease, the most prevalent tick-borne infection in the U.S., primarily occurs in the Northeast, Midwest, and mid-Atlantic states. Despite an estimated 476,000 annual diagnoses, only a fraction is officially reported.
The reporting dynamics shifted in 2022, with high-incidence states now requiring just a positive lab test for case reporting. Traditionally, health departments collected additional patient information by revisiting doctor’s offices after receiving positive lab results. The disruption in reporting in 2020 and 2021, attributed to the focus on the COVID-19 pandemic, saw a decline in this practice.
While the change in reporting requirements may explain the apparent spike in Lyme disease cases, CDC officials acknowledge the possibility of more sensitive testing contributing to the increase. However, it is too early to definitively attribute the rise to improved testing methods.
Stay informed as health authorities continue to monitor and analyze Lyme disease trends, providing insights into the dynamics of this tick-borne infection in the U.S. throughout 2023.
