Tick-Transmitted Diseases
Updated 3/22/2010
Tick-transmitted disease season has arrived. Recent warm weather has brought out the blacklegged ticks (also known as deer ticks). The ticks become active when temperatures climb above freezing. While much larger numbers of ticks are found during the peak of the tick-transmitted disease season from May through early July, it is also important to protect yourself now from the ticks if you spend time in wooded or brushy habitat used by the ticks.
A variety of diseases may be spread by ticks in Minnesota. The majority of tick-transmitted diseases result from the bite of an infected blacklegged tick (also known as the deer tick). Preventing exposure to blacklegged ticks requires diligence.- Diseases that can be Transmitted by Ticks
Most tick bites do not result in disease, but it is a good idea to recognize and watch for the early symptoms of the more commonly encountered tick-transmitted diseases in Minnesota.
- Preventing Tick-Transmitted Disease
Information about minimizing your risk of tick-transmitted diseases, protecting your pets, and removing ticks.
- Ticks
Important information to know for prevention of tick-transmitted disease. Learn about blacklegged ticks (also known as the deer tick or bear tick), including their life cycle, feeding habits, habitat, and population control.
- Tick-Transmitted Disease Statistics
Statistics for tick-transmitted diseases in Minnesota.
- Tick-Transmitted Disease News
News releases, news articles, and public service announcements related to tick-transmitted diseases and Lyme disease.
- Tick-Transmitted Disease Materials
Slide show, poster, brochure, and other educational materials for Lyme disease and other tick-transmitted diseases.
- Tick-Transmitted
Disease Information for Health Professionals
Guidelines, statistics, resources, and other clinical information for health professionals.
- Immunization Information for International Travelers
Mosquitoes and ticks transmit diseases to people in many parts of the world. International travelers should determine which vaccines or other disease prevention measures are appropriate for the area they plan to visit.
Spotlight
Blacklegged tick (deer tick) life stages next to a metric ruler. The adult ticks (two ticks at the left) are approximately 1/8 of an inch long, while the nymph (third from left) is just under 1/16 of an inch.
June 29, 2011: Tick-borne Disease Health Alert
Minnesota Records First Death from Tick-Borne Powassan Virus
May 6, 2011: Tick-borne Disease Health Alert
Anaplasmosis Rivals Lyme Disease As Record Numbers of Minnesotans Sick from Tick-Borne Diseases in 2010.
Special Review Panel Unaimously Upholds Lyme Disease Treatment Guidelines: Short-term Antibiotics Proven to be Best Treatment for Patients
4/2010 Update: Special review panel unanimously upholds Lyme disease treatment guidelines. Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA)
High Risk Areas in Minnesota
A map that shows counties of highest Tick-borne risk in Minnesota.
Ticks
Learn about blacklegged ticks (deer ticks) including their life cycle, feeding habits, habitat, and population control. Also includes information on American dog ticks, the vector of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in Minnesota.
Preventing Tick-Transmitted Disease
Information about minimizing your risk of tick-transmitted diseases, protecting your pets, and removing ticks.
Tickborne Prevention Poster: Spray Before You Work or Play
If you have questions or comments about this page, use our IDEPC Comment Form or call 651-201-5414 (TTY: 651-201-5797) for the MDH Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division.