Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

HTTPS

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Lyme Disease: Wisconsin Data

Lyme disease is native to Wisconsin.

Lyme disease and the tick species that carries it have spread from the northwestern part of the state to nearly all areas of the state over the past 30 years. This spread has caused more and more cases of the disease.

In 2022, Wisconsin had 5,327 cases of Lyme disease. The average number of reported cases has more than doubled over the past 15 years.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) monitors Lyme disease throughout the United States. Wisconsin is one of the states reporting the highest number of cases each year.

The actual number of Lyme disease cases in Wisconsin is likely to be higher than reported.

Lyme disease is preventable and treatable. Learn more about Tick Bite Prevention.

2022 Lyme Disease Cases in Wisconsin

Read about Treatment and Signs and Symptoms of Untreated Lyme Disease from the CDC.

The graphs below show statewide data for Lyme disease. For county-level data, see the Environmental Public Health Tracking: Lyme Disease.

For national data, visit the CDC webpage on Lyme Disease Data and Surveillance.

Borrelia burgdorferi data

This graph shows the number of reported Lyme disease cases each year in the state.

Lyme disease cases by year

This incidence trend line of Lyme disease cases reflects what is shown in the bar graph above.

Lyme disease incidence graph

Most cases of Lyme disease occur during June and July. However, it’s possible to get Lyme disease whenever ticks are active. Ticks are active when temperatures are above freezing. It’s important to take steps toward Tick Bite Prevention when spending time outdoors.

Chart showing Lyme disease cases by month of illness. July shows the most cases with approximately 600 cases, followed by June with about 500.

Lyme disease is most common in younger and older people. However, people of any age can get Lyme disease.

Average Lyme Disease (B. burgdorferi) Cases by age group

Borrelia mayonii data

The bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi causes most cases of Lyme disease. However, Borrelia mayonii is a rare, newly emerging species. Borrelia mayonii also causes Lyme disease. It was first detected in 2013 in the Midwest, with 10 cases in Wisconsin residents from 2013 to 2022.

B. mayonii, Lyme disease cases by year

B. mayonii, Lyme disease cases by month

B. mayonii, Lyme disease cases by age group

Learn more about Lyme disease

Contact us

Questions about illnesses spread by ticks? We’re here to help.

Bureau of Communicable Diseases
Phone: 608-267-9003
Fax: 608-261-4976

Last revised October 10, 2023