Stay safe this tick season with tips from Olmsted County Public Health Services

Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS) reminds residents to take simple steps to protect themselves and their pets from ticks when heading outdoors this spring. 

Lyme disease remains the most common tickborne illness in Minnesota and across the United States. Symptoms can appear three to 30 days after a tick bite and may vary widely from person to person. Early symptoms include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes. 

A distinctive rash, known as erythema migrans, may occur but is not present in every case of Lyme disease. This rash gradually expands over several days, sometimes up to 12 inches across. It may feel warm to the touch. In about 30% of cases, the center clears as it enlarges, giving the rash a classic “bullseye” appearance. The rash is rarely itchy or painful. 

Despite these signs, only 1 in 10 people with Lyme disease receive a diagnosis. Without treatment, Lyme disease can lead to serious complications, including facial paralysis, arthritis, fever, and persistent rash, depending on the stage of infection. 

“Awareness is one of our strongest defenses,” said OCPHS Environmental Health Specialist Claire Knocke. “If you know what symptoms to watch for, you’re far more likely to catch Lyme disease early, when treatment is most effective.” 

Ticks live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas, or on animals. People can encounter ticks when walking, working, or playing. 

Steps to help avoid tick-related diseases include: 

• Walk in the middle of trails. 
• Wear a hat, long-sleeved shirt, and long pants. 
  • Wear light-colored clothing to spot ticks more easily. 
  • Tuck pants into socks or boots. 
• Use effective repellents, including: 
  • Picaridin. 
  • DEET (20–30%) for skin. 
  • Permethrin for clothing and footwear. 
• Shower immediately after being outdoors. 
• Perform a thorough tick check, especially the armpits, scalp, groin, behind knees, and behind ears. 
• Before washing clothes, place them in a dryer on high heat for 6–20 minutes to kill ticks. 

Pets are also at risk for tick bites and Lyme disease. Protect them with veterinarian-recommended flea and tick preventatives. When appropriate, pets may also receive a Lyme disease vaccination. 

“Simple habits can make a meaningful difference,” Knocke said. “Taking time to apply repellent, wearing the right clothing, and checking yourself and your pets after being outdoors are easy steps the reduce the chances of a tick bite.” 

If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible. Use a fine-tipped tweezer to grab the tick by the head, close to the skin. Pull slowly and steadily upward. Apply antiseptic to the bite.