Crow Wing County is #1 in the State!
Lyme Disease, Human Anaplasmosis, and Babesiosis
Lyme disease in Minnesota peaked in 2004 with 1,023 cases reported statewide.  In 2006, the number decreased slightly with 914 cases reported statewide, 86 of which were in Crow Wing County! In 2007 111 Lymes disease cases reported, 68 Human Anoplasmosis, and 2 cases babesiosis in Crow Wing County.  Lyme disease is an illness that may effect the skin, joints, nervous system, heart, and other areas of the body.  People of all ages can get Lyme disease, which is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi.  The bacteria is transmitted to humans and some domestic animals by the bite of an infected deer tick.  The deer tick - lxodes scapularis- is also called the black legged or bear tick.
Signs & Symptoms Recognizing the early signs and symptoms of Lyme disease is important.  If you have one or more of these signs and symptoms within 3 to 30 days after a tick bite, see your physician immediately.
A characteristic skin rash, called erythema migrans, has a "bull's eye" appearance - a red ring with a central clearing.  Not everyone recognizes or gets the rash.  Many people only have the rash without the other symptoms.   Other symptoms could be fever and chills, headache, fatigue, and or muscle and joint pain.  The rash begins as a small, raised red area that may expand to several inches in diameter.   It may appear on one or more places on the body, may include one or more rashes, and is usually not painful or itchy.
Diagnosis & Treatment Early diagnosis and treatment can make a difference.  The early stages of Lyme disease are more effectively treated with antibiotics.  The diagnosis of Lyme disease is based on the signs and symptoms, presence of the rash, and a history of exposure to deer ticks.  A blood test may be helpful in confirming the diagnosis.  Feeding nymphs go undetected.  A diagnosis of Lyme disease can be difficult when a person does not have the rash.  Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics.  Treatment in the early stages can prevent later problems, such as arthritis.  Treatment is also available for the later stages. Other Tick-Borne Diseases Two diseases which appear to be less common than Lyme disease - human anaplasmosis (erhlichiosis) and babesiosis - can also be transmitted by the deer tick.  The symptoms of these two diseases can be sudden and severe and include: high fever, muscle aches, chills and shaking, and severe headache. Less frequent symptoms include nausea, vomiting, cough, and aching joints.  They can be treated with antibiotics by your physician.
Powassen           Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Prevention Check and recheck for ticks when you are in tick-infected areas.  These actions can reduce your chances of getting a tick-borne disease:  When in a deer tick habitat, walk in the center of the trail to avoid picking up ticks from grass and brush. Wear light colored clothes so ticks are visible. Create a barrier to ticks by tucking pants into socks or boots and tuck long sleeved shirts into pants. When in the woods, to avoid picking up ticks, wear a repellent with DEET or permethrin.  Follow the directions on the label. After being outdoors in tick habitat, do a complete body check, shower and vigorously towel dry.  Check and recheck for ticks.
Not all people bitten by a deer tick will get a disease.  Not all deer ticks carry diseases.  However, if a deer tick is infected, it must be attached for at least 24 hours before it can transmit Lyme disease Tick Removal The risk of getting a tick-borne disease is small if the tick is removed soon after it becomes attached. - Use tweezers to grasp the tick close to its mouth. - Gently and S-L-O-W-L-Y pull the tick outward. - Apply an antiseptic to the bite. - Do not burn it off or use petroleum jelly. - To avoid contact with the bacteria, if present, do not squeeze the tick's body. - Watch for early signs and symptoms of Lyme disease.