“We’re actually seeing an increase in cases of Lyme disease, which coincides with a growing local tick population,” said Thomas Lamarre, MD, infectious diseases specialist at The Christ Hospital Health Network. “One of the dangers of Lyme disease is that you can develop potentially fatal cardiovascular complications even after symptoms clear, so it’s important to receive medical treatment if symptoms are present and you have known exposure to ticks.”
Lyme disease is most often spread in the region by the deer tick. Symptoms can include headaches, fever, fatigue and rash, and if not treated can be harmful to the joints, the heart and the nervous system. Dr. Lamarre says the best way to lower your risk for tick-borne illness is to avoid exposure, and in instances of possible exposure, such as spending a long amount of time in or near highly vegetated areas, to be sure to thoroughly check all parts of the body for ticks.
“Ticks need to be attached for a long period of time to feed,” Dr. Lamarre says, “So you’re not going to get sick if you find a tick attached to you shortly after being exposed.”
Other ways to avoid ticks include:
•Stay on the trail: Ticks don’t tend to like short grass or bare patches.
•Wear light-colored clothing: Ticks are dark in color and the contrast will make it easier to spot them before they can attach to feed.
•Wear long pants: tucking them into your socks, if possible, will help avoid ticks climbing up your pant leg.
•Use a repellent on your clothing: DEET or Permethrin can be effective even through a few washings of your clothes.
You can read more about tick-borne illnesses including Lyme disease and Alpha-gal Syndrome on our website.
About The Christ Hospital Health Network
The Christ Hospital Health Network consists of an acute care hospital located in Mt. Auburn, a remote hospital location in Liberty Township, five ambulatory outpatient centers and dozens of medical offices throughout the region. For more than 130 years, The Christ Hospital has provided compassionate care to those it serves. Made up for more than 1,300 physicians and more than 6,500 team members, our mission is to improve the health of our community by providing exceptional outcomes in an affordable way. The Network was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 hospital in the Cincinnati Region, named to Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals list in 2023. It is also a Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award recipient, which recognizes top-performing healthcare organizations that achieve the 95th percentile or above of performance in patient experience.
Soon-To-Be-Dad, Sam Hubbard, has gifts for Newborns and Dads at The Christ HospitalFather’s Day is here and The Christ Hospital Health Network has partnered with the Sam Hubbard Foundation to surprise some new dads.
The Christ Hospital Recognized in Caring for People Living with DiabetesThe Leapfrog Group and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) announced that The Christ Hospital Health Network has received national designation as a Recognized Leader in Caring for People Living with Diabetes. The Christ Hospital is one of just 37 hospitals in the United States and only system in Ohio earning this recognition for a strong commitment to the safety and well-being of hospitalized people living with diabetes.
First NEOMED Students Arrive for Orientation at The Christ Hospital Health NetworkThe Christ Hospital Health Network announced in November 2025 a groundbreaking partnership with Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) establishing pathways for future generations of physicians to train for a medical career in Ohio.
The Christ Hospital Health Network to Host Free Webinar on Comprehensive Spine CareOn Tuesday, June 23 at Noon, healthcare providers at The Christ Hospital Health Network will host a free online webinar titled “Conversations for Confidence: Expert Answers on Comprehensive Spine Care.”
The Christ Hospital Health Network Named One of America’s Best Hospitals for Specialized CareThe Christ Hospital Health Network has been named to America’s Best Specialized Hospitals 2026 list by Newsweek. The network was featured for its cardiac, cancer, endocrine, Gastrointestinal, orthopedic and pulmonary care. This prestigious award is presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider.
Mental Health at the Forefront in Primary Care at The Christ Hospital Health NetworkIn the United States, 1 in 5 U.S. Adults experience a metal health condition each year while more than half of them do not receive treatment. That’s why The Christ Hospital Health Network is making mental health a priority for patients.
The Christ Hospital Health Network Gives Back to Team Members with Health FairTo promote team member well-being, The Christ Hospital Health Network will host its fourth annual Health & Wellbeing Fair at the Mt. Auburn location on Thursday, May 21 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Christ Hospital Liberty Township Birthing Center Now a Breast Milk Dispensary as Part of OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk BankThe Liberty Birthing Center, in partnership with the Ohio Milk Bank, is now a Breast Milk Dispensary. Mothers with babies that need pasteurized donor breast milk as a bridge until their own milk comes in can now purchase pasteurized donor milk.