Lyme disease cases still rare but on the rise in Northern Nevada

Although instances of Lyme disease remain low in Nevada, the number of reported cases of the tick-borne illness has been growing in recent years in Northern Nevada, echoing a sharp nationwide increase in the disease.

In 2024, Washoe County saw a nearly 38% increase in reported Lyme disease cases from the previous year, from eight cases to 11. Reported cases of the illness have increased in Northern Nevada year-over-year since 2020, according to tracking by the Northern Nevada Public Health office.

Public health officials say the true number of cases may be higher due to underreporting. The disease can be difficult to track because symptoms mimic those of other diseases, and only patients with the worst outcomes are usually tested.

Lyme disease is transmitted through the bite of an infec