Health commissioner reports rise in Lyme cases; officials urge testing and prevention

Knox County Health Commissioner Zach Green presented quarterly public‑health data to Mount Vernon council, highlighting a rise in reported Lyme disease cases and ongoing respiratory virus monitoring.

Green said Lyme disease cases increased to 195 from 124 the prior year. “Those numbers are gonna continue to climb... we’ll continue to work with our state partners,” Green said, urging prevention and early treatment. He described wastewater surveillance peaks for RSV and influenza and said influenza A peaked around the week of Christmas while influenza B showed rising trends into mid‑January.

Green also noted internal staffing and succession changes: Anthony Bowersakis was named project director for the community health center and will serve as deputy health commissioner; two long‑time staff members were announced as retiring. He warned that Medicaid unwinding may have reduced clinic visits by patients previously reliant on Medicaid and encouraged outreach and enrollment assistance.

Council members asked about seasonal and environmental drivers for Lyme and whether the recent cold/snow would reduce tick activity; Green said cold provides some cover and will not substantially reduce tick populations, and emphasized education and provider testing as mitigation strategies. He said a Lyme test is available at the health department but lab costs depend on insurance.