Rare Borrelia mayonii Lyme disease case detected in upstate New York

A rare case of Borrelia mayonii Lyme disease was confirmed in upstate New York last July. The infected adult, from Herkimer County, had not travelled recently, suggesting the bacteria may now be present locally. This discovery follows a sharp rise in Lyme disease cases across the state and the wider Northeast.

The case was investigated after the person fell ill. Health officials found a small number of ticks on their wooded property carrying the Borrelia mayonii bacterium. However, a broader test of over 1,500 ticks from 24 New York counties did not detect the same strain again.

Between 2020 and 2024, Lyme disease cases in New York surged by nearly 450%. The increase aligns with a regional spike in tick-borne illnesses across the Northeast. Experts link the spread to climate change, which is pushing the disease’s traditional ‘sweet spot’ further north. To reduce risk, health authorities advise staying on trail centres while hiking and wearing long sleeves with pants tucked into socks. Using repellents containing 30% DEET or oil of lemon eucalyptus is also recommended. Regular tick checks remain critical after outdoor activities.

The detection of Borrelia mayonii in New York marks a potential shift in Lyme disease patterns. While widespread presence of this strain was not confirmed, the state’s rising infection rates highlight the need for vigilance. Preventative measures and ongoing monitoring will be key as climate conditions continue to evolve.