By Lisa L. Colangelolisa.colangelo@newsday.com@lisalcolangeloUpdated September 1, 2026 3:26 pm
Lyme disease cases in New York increased almost 16% last year compared with 2024, according to preliminary figures state Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald gave Tuesday during a visit to a tick-borne disease center in Hampton Bays
McDonald said there were approximately 25,000 cases in the state, including 22,000 outside of New York City. County figures weren’t immediately available. He said cases of other tick-borne diseases are also on the rise
“I think it’s safe to say the ticks are winning — there’s a lot more ticks than us,” he said during a news conference outside the Stony Brook Southampton Hospital’s Regional Tick-Borne Disease Redifferently about ticks. They’re no longer just a nuisance, but ticks really are a rising threat. So it’s a time of personal vigilance.”
Statistics published by the state show there were 21,632 cases in 2024, 21,466 in 2023 and 16,117 in 2022. The state updated how it counted cases in 2022
Last year’s figure is preliminary, according to a state Health Department spokeswoman. More precise figures were not immediately available
McDonald and other officials said ticks have the ability to bite year-round as long as temperatures are above 40 degrees. He displayed a can of insect repellent he keeps with him
“My message is not to be afraid of the outdoors, but to be prepared for the outdoors,” he said, noting people should take precautions and check for ticks when they come inside
“Although the ticks are winning, we live here, too,” he said. “And we aren’t giving up.”
Check back for updates on this developing story
By Lisa L. Colangelolisa.colangelo@newsday.com@lisalcolangelo
Lisa joined Newsday as a staff writer in 2019. She previously worked at amNewYork, the New York Daily News and the Asbury Park Press covering politics, government and general assignment
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