Despite the late Spring, warm temperatures are bringing Minnesotans of all ages outdoors, putting them at risk for exposure to ticks and mosquitoes and the diseases they carry. While most of the time insect bites are just a nuisance, the bites of some species can cause serious illnesses.
The most important ticks to watch out for are the tiny deer ticks (blacklegged ticks), which transmit the majority of tick-borne illnesses in Minnesota, including Lyme disease. The common Wood tick (also known as the American dog tick), is much larger than a deer tick and can also carry diseases, but is less likely to do so. Not all ticks are infected with transmissible illnesses; so even if you find a tick on your child, it does not mean they will get a disease. The highest risk for tick-transmitted diseases is mid-May through mid-July, and continues until October.
Mosquito bites can also transmit illnesses. These are less common but can be devastating (these illnesses typically cause encephalitis, a very serious infection of the brain). Most often, mosquito bites are locally irritating with lots of redness and swelling, especially if a child is bitten near the eyes. Use a cool wash cloth on the bite and Benadryl (by mouth) to combat the itching. Mosquito bites can easily become infected with common bacteria from the skin, so localized pain, dark red or purplish discoloration and any sign of a fever should be taken very seriously. Please call the clinic to make an appointment or to talk to our nurse or one of our doctors if you have questions about an insect bite. We will see your child on a “walk-in” basis if needed!
Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness we see in Minnesota. Symptoms include a distinctive "bullseye" rash, fever, chills, headache and joint pain. The tick has to be on for 24-48 hours to transmit the bacteria. It is treated with antibiotics, so if your child has symptoms of Lyme disease, please call the Clinic at 651-552-7999.
Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness we see in Minnesota. Symptoms include a distinctive "bullseye" rash, fever, chills, headache and joint pain. The tick has to be on for 24-48 hours to transmit the bacteria. It is treated with antibiotics, so if your child has symptoms of Lyme disease, please call the Clinic at 651-552-7999.
Classic image of deer ticks, adult and nymph stages.
So tiny that they are
easily missed!
The best thing you can do for your child is to check for ticks after being outside, and remove any ticks as soon as you find them. Remember to thoroughly check your child’s scalp as thick hair can easily hide a tick. Please know that Lyme disease is just as likely in St. Paul and the Southeast Metro area as in densely wooded Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. We often see Lyme disease that is contracted from a tick in a backyard!
The Minnesota Department of Health has an outstanding resource about ticks, how to prevent them (insect repellents) and how to remove a tick if you find one (with videos).
The Minnesota Department of Health has an outstanding resource about ticks, how to prevent them (insect repellents) and how to remove a tick if you find one (with videos).
