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State guide · South DakotaLyme disease in South Dakota
How common Lyme disease is in South Dakota, which ticks spread it, when to be careful, and where to turn for care.
Case numbers come from CDC’s 2023 annual notifiable disease tables, the most recent year CDC has published. Rates use U.S. Census 2023 population estimates. Reported cases undercount real infections. How to read these numbers.
How common is Lyme disease in South Dakota?
In 2023, South Dakota reported 7 Lyme disease cases, about 0.8 per 100,000 residents, well below the national rate. Some cases reported in low-incidence states are linked to travel, and some local infections may go unrecognized.
South Dakota compared with neighboring states (2023)
| State | Reported cases | Per 100,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 2,938 | 51.2 |
| Iowa | 212 | 6.6 |
| North Dakota | 15 | 1.9 |
| Montana | 11 | 1.0 |
| South Dakota | 7 | 0.8 |
| Wyoming | 2 | 0.3 |
| Nebraska | 5 | 0.3 |
Which ticks spread Lyme in South Dakota?
The blacklegged tick that spreads Lyme disease is found mainly in the eastern United States. Its range reaches into parts of South Dakota, mostly toward the east, while much of the state is outside it. The American dog tick and lone star tick, which do not spread Lyme, are more common here.
When to be most careful
Ticks are most active from spring through early fall. If you develop a rash or fever after a tick bite or after traveling to high-risk areas such as the Northeast or upper Midwest, tell your doctor.
How to protect yourself
- Use an EPA-registered insect repellent (such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, PMD or 2-undecanone).
- Treat clothing and gear with permethrin.
- Check your body, children and pets for ticks after being outdoors.
- Shower soon after coming inside, and tumble dry clothes on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks.
Found an attached tick? Remove it right away. Here’s what to do after a tick bite, and the symptoms to watch for over the next few weeks.
Where to get care in South Dakota
Start with your primary care provider, an urgent care clinic or a telehealth visit, especially if you have a rash or fever after a tick bite. Tell them about any tick bite and where you have traveled. For complicated or lingering symptoms, ask about a referral to an infectious disease specialist. We are building a care finder with clinics that treat tick-borne illness; until then, here’s how Lyme testing works.
Official resources
- South Dakota Department of Health: The blacklegged deer tick, American dog tick and lone star tick are active in South Dakota.
- CDC: Lyme disease
We are collecting real experiences about Lyme disease in South Dakota from people who have lived it, shared with their permission. As stories come in, they will appear here, clearly marked as personal experience rather than medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lyme disease common in South Dakota?
South Dakota reported 7 cases in 2023, about 0.8 per 100,000 residents (fewest reported on our map). Reported cases undercount real infections, so take precautions in tick habitat either way.
What tick carries Lyme disease in South Dakota?
The blacklegged tick, often called the deer tick. The lone star tick and American dog tick do not spread Lyme.
Can I get Lyme disease in South Dakota if reported cases are low?
Low reported numbers do not mean zero risk. Some infections are never reported, and cases are counted where people live, not where they were bitten. If you have symptoms after a tick bite or travel, see a healthcare provider.