By Lemika Fondren
BLAINE, Minn. – (June 21, 2018) – According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the number of people affected with tick borne diseases is increasing throughout the United States, and that includes Minnesota.
The number of reported tick borne diseases in Minnesota has been on the rise for more than 20 years and this year, Anoka County has been listed as a county at high risk for tick borne disease. Ticks can carry many different diseases, with Lyme disease being the most common.
More than 1,200 people were diagnosed with Lyme just last year. Lyme disease symptoms usually show up within two to four weeks of being bitten by an infected tick. Symptoms include rash, fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle or joint aches.
Many of the other tick borne diseases have similar symptoms. If you think that you may have a tick borne disease, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible. Most tick borne diseases are treatable with antibiotics.
If you are going to spend time in a wooded area, you are encouraged to wear a tick repellent and check yourself for ticks daily. If you find a tick, you should remove it as soon as possible.
