WAUPACA COUNTY, WI – Health officials are urging residents to take precautions against tick bites as Waupaca County continues to see elevated numbers of tick-borne illnesses.
Waupaca County Health Officer Jed Wohlt said the county experienced a significant increase in cases in 2025 compared to the previous year, and early indications suggest 2026 could follow a similar trend.
“We definitely saw a spike in cases in 2025 compared to 2024,” Wohlt said. “And I think we’re kind of on the same track from what we’ve seen so far.”
Tick-borne illnesses, including Lyme disease, remain a growing concern across Wisconsin as residents spend more time outdoors during the summer months.
Wohlt said prevention remains the best defense against tick bites and the illnesses they can carry.
“The biggest thing is if you’re out in the outdoors, you want to start with wearing long sleeves, long socks, pants,” Wohlt said. “And if you can use repellent, we’d recommend doing that.”
Health officials also encourage residents to perform thorough tick checks after spending time in wooded, grassy, or brush-filled areas.
If a tick is found attached, Wohlt recommends removing it as quickly and carefully as possible using tweezers to ensure the entire tick is removed.
Lyme disease is primarily spread by deer ticks, also known as black-legged ticks. Wohlt noted that while some areas of Wisconsin have higher concentrations than others, deer ticks can be found statewide.
“You’ll see higher densities maybe in different parts of the state, but I believe they do cover the entire state,” Wohlt said.
While Waupaca County is not among the highest-ranked counties in Wisconsin for Lyme disease rates, Wohlt said the county remains in the upper-middle range and continues to monitor cases closely.
He added that local health officials have also heard reports from residents finding ticks more frequently this year, though it remains too early to determine whether 2026 will surpass last year’s totals.
Residents who develop symptoms such as fever, rash, fatigue, headaches, or joint pain following a tick bite are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider.
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