From the Research
Lyme disease is relatively rare in Idaho, with an annual incidence rate of approximately 0.5 to 1.0 cases per 100,000 population, as reported in studies such as 1 and 2. The prevalence of infected ticks in Idaho is low, estimated at less than 1%, which is partly due to the state's climate and ecological conditions being less favorable for the tick vectors that transmit Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium causing Lyme disease. Most cases in Idaho are believed to be acquired during travel to more endemic areas like the Northeast or Upper Midwest, as the primary tick vector (Ixodes scapularis) is not commonly found in Idaho. However, the western blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus), which can also transmit Lyme disease, is present in some parts of the state, particularly in northern counties.
Some key points to consider about Lyme disease in Idaho include:
- The state typically reports fewer than 20 confirmed cases per year, according to surveillance data 1
- The majority of cases are thought to be travel-related, with patients acquiring the disease in areas with higher incidence rates, such as the Northeast or Upper Midwest 2
- The western blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus) is present in some parts of Idaho, particularly in northern counties, and can transmit Lyme disease 1
- The prevalence of infected ticks in Idaho is low, estimated at less than 1%, which contributes to the relatively low incidence of the disease in the state 2
Despite the low risk, residents and healthcare providers should remain vigilant, especially as changing climate patterns may alter tick distributions and disease patterns over time, as noted in studies such as 3. It is essential to consider Lyme disease in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with compatible clinical signs and a history of potential exposure to infected ticks, even in areas with low incidence rates, as emphasized in 1 and 3.