Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.  Humans get infected through the bite of an infected black legged tick (Ixodes scapularis).  In Orange County, we have not had any locally-acquired Lyme Disease, but cases have been reported in residents who traveled to an area where Lyme Disease is more likely to be found, e.g., the Northeastern United States.  California in general is considered a low incidence state for Lyme Disease.

Lyme disease is reportable in Orange County within seven (7) calendar days of identification.  To report a case, health care providers/facilities should call OCHCA Epidemiology at 714-834-8180, fax reports to 714-560-4050, or mail to P.O. Box 6128, Santa Ana, CA  92706-0128. One case of Lyme Disease was reported in Orange County between 2013 and 2017; this one case in 2016 was acquired outside of California.

• Lyme Disease Maps (U.S.):  https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/datasurveillance/maps-recent.html
• Lyme Disease and Tick Surveillance in California (Interactive Map)

Last reviewed January 16, 2019