Tick Threat Growing: St. Mary’s County Officials Sound Alarm On Lyme Disease

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — As warmer weather brings more time outdoors, it also signals the return of a growing public health concern: ticks. During the May 12 meeting of the St. Mary’s County Commissioners, Commissioner Mike Alderson presented a proclamation designating May 2026 as Lyme Disease Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of prevention and early detection.

“Everybody’s enjoying warm weather and longer days, so you know that means more ticks,” Alderson said. “You need to be careful about Lyme disease, because it will wreck you up definitely.”

According to the proclamation, Lyme disease, transmitted through the bite of an infected tick, is the most common tick-borne disease in Maryland, with more than 2,400 cases reported in 2023. Symptoms can range from fever and fatigue to joint pain, facial paralysis and neurological complications, with long-term effects possible if left untreated.

The proclamation also highlighted that diagnosis can be difficult due to the varied nature of symptoms, making awareness and early treatment critical. Prevention methods include wearing protective clothing, using repellents, checking frequently for ticks, showering after outdoor exposure and managing environments to reduce tick habitats.

Local Leaders Stress Awareness And Community Responsibility

Lori Jennings-Harris, director of the Department of Aging and Human Services, reinforced the message of vigilance, not only for individuals, but for the community as a whole.

“The proclamation says it all, looking out for ourselves and our loved ones when it comes to looking for ticks and helping to prevent that, but also for one another,” Jennings-Harris said.

She shared a personal story to illustrate the importance of proper tick handling, recalling a moment in a grocery store when a man removed a tick and discarded it on the floor. A cashier intervened to safely dispose of it, demonstrating what Jennings-Harris described as a simple act of community care.

“We have to look out for one another in addition to looking out for ourselves and our families,” she said.

Rising Cases And Growing Concerns

MarieNoelle Lautieri, operations manager for the Northern Senior Activity Center, warned that tick activity appears to be increasing.

“The reports of the ticks are not good this year. Mainstream media has said that they are very bad, and I can tell you from firsthand experience, I can confirm it,” Lautieri said.

She noted that recently released data shows more than 3,000 Lyme disease cases in 2024, reflecting a sharp increase. Lautieri also pointed to other tick-borne illnesses, including alpha-gal syndrome linked to the Lone Star tick, which can cause severe, long-term lifestyle changes.

“You probably know someone in your family or your friends that have been affected or infected,” she said. “So please, you have to be careful.”

Health Department Emphasizes Monitoring And Resources

Jill Shade, an infectious disease nurse with the St. Mary’s County Health Department, said her role includes monitoring and tracking tick-borne illnesses in the community.

“Part of what I do is help monitor and surveillance for not only tick-borne illnesses, but other diseases as well,” Shade said.

Heather Moritz, director of Environmental Health at the St. Mary’s County Health Department, encouraged residents to stay informed and take preventative action.

For more information on symptoms, prevention and proper tick removal, residents can visit the St. Mary’s County Health Department website at www.smchd.org.

A Unified Commitment

The proclamation, dated May 12, 2026, calls on residents to “unite in our commitment to raising awareness, fostering collaboration, and promoting a healthier, safer environment for all residents of St. Mary’s County.”

With the county’s rural landscape and active outdoor lifestyle, officials emphasized that awareness and simple preventative steps can make a significant difference in reducing the risk of Lyme disease this season.

You can watch the full proclamation below at 4:30.

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