Lyme Disease, Tick-Born Illnesses Reach Record Highs in US The 2017 number of more than 59,000 cases is a 22% increase from 2016. “The true number of cases is probably 10 times that.” Dr. John Aucott, Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center, via 'NBC News' “We heard comments from hundreds and hundreds of patients. It is obvious that this is a real problem, that people are really suffering.” Dr. John Aucott, via 'NBC News' The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the report on Nov. 14. Lyme disease accounted for nearly 75% of the illnesses, roughly 43,000 cases. “The number of U.S. counties now considered to be of high incidence for Lyme disease has increased by more than 300 percent in the Northeastern states." CDC's Nov. 14 report, via 'NBC News' “Americans need help, yet progress has been hampered by a lack of attention at the federal level and by divisions within the field.” CDC's Nov. 14 report, via 'NBC News'