CHARLESTON, W.Va. –With another sharp increase in tick bites across the Mountain State, the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department and the Fayette County Health Department are offering antibiotics to help prevent Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases.
Both departments announced Wednesday that they are offering the prophylactic antibiotic doxycycline to individuals who have been bitten by a tick.
“To combat the tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, that are not only common as Lyme disease, but the others are becoming increasingly common in our region,” KCHD Executive Director Dr. Steven Eshenaur told MetroNews Wednesday.
According to a release from the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department, the West Virginia Department of Health reported that Lyme disease cases in West Virginia have increased significantly since 2020, rising from about 1,000 to 4,000 in 2025.
Eshenaur said West Virginia is continuing to see a sharp increase in Lyme disease cases this year.
“This is very concerning because of one the number of bites, but also what Lyme disease can cause long-term, it can cause significant illness,” he said.
Lyme disease commonly causes headaches, muscle aches, fever and a bull’s-eye rash and can lead to chronic health issues.
Eshenaur said the antibiotic should be taken within 72 hours of a tick bite as a single 200-milligram dose. He said if a tick is removed within 24 hours, antibiotics typically are not needed. However, if the tick is attached for more than 24 hours, he said the antibiotic is recommended.
“If you get beyond that you may end up requiring the full course of doxycycline, and that needs to be discussed with your provider, which would be 10 days of twice a day dosing, getting that exposure prophylactic early can prevent you from requiring a full course of antibiotics,” he said.
Once someone who has been bitten by a tick visits the health department, clinic staff will conduct a brief consultation before dispensing the antibiotic. Individuals will also pay a $25 fee, which covers the consultation and medication. The visit does not include treatment or testing for tick-borne diseases.
Eshenaur said people who have been bitten by a tick and had the tick attached for more than 24 hours should contact the health department.
“You can call here Kanawha-Charleston Health Department, either make an appointment or be a walk-in, to get a prophylactic dose, we provide the medication right here,” he said.
Eshenaur said pets often bring ticks into the home after being outdoors.
“Pets go outside, use the bathroom or play in the yard, they’re big tick magnets with all their fur, and they can bring ticks right into your home, even if you haven’t been out,” he said.
You can contact the KCHD at 304-348-8080.