Lyme disease bacteria detected in northeast Nebraska tick population

NNPHD reported both patients were exposed around the same time at sites near one another in Thurston County. 

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Northeast Nebraska Public Health Department has reported two cases of Lyme disease to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

NNPHD reported both patients were exposed around the same time at sites near one another in Thurston County.

DHHS, NNPHD and the Winnebago Public Health Department completed a coordinated environmental investigation at the suspected exposure sites.

The investigators collected black-legged ticks (also known as deer ticks) at the sites of exposure. Thurston County became the fourth known county in Nebraska to identify black-legged tick populations.

The investigators sent the ticks to Creighton University and the CDC, both tested positive for Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease.

DHHS, NNPHD and WPHD will continue t survey for black-legged tick population and other medically important ticks.

Despite tick activity slowing down with colder weather, NNPHD warns people that ticks can be active year-round.