BLAINE, Minn. – (May 28, 2015) – Minnesota health officials are warning that blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks, like to hang out in many of the same places as Minnesotans this time of year. Using insect repellent and taking other precautions can help reduce your risk of getting one or more of several serious diseases carried by ticks. Mid-May through mid-July is the period of highest risk for blacklegged ticks in Minnesota.
Recent field sampling by the Minnesota Department of Health found that the immature blacklegged ticks are out now and will likely become even more active in the next few weeks. The blacklegged tick can spread Lyme disease, as well as several other diseases. In 2014, 896 Lyme disease cases were reported in the state.
American dog ticks also known as wood ticks, are very common in spring and early summer throughout wooded or grassy areas of Minnesota. They can also carry diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
If you spend time outdoors in tick habitat, use repellent to lower the risk of disease. People who spend time at cabins on heavily wooded property often encounter ticks and should consider managing their landscape to reduce their risk. Finally, perform tick checks during and after outdoor activities in tick habitat. Frequently search your entire body for ticks that may look like a speck of dirt or freckle on your skin. If you find a tick on you, remove it immediately but properly.
For tips on tick prevention and a video for safe tick removal click on the related links.
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