Incidences of diseases transmitted to humans by ticks and mosquitoes have increased dramatically since the 1980s.

The blacklegged tick-transmitted diseases have expanded further into wooded areas in Minnesota.

The blacklegged commonly known as deer ticks spread a bacterial disease called Human anaplasmosis, which has increased by 4,000% in Minnesota over a 15-year time span.

The disease has increased from 18 cases in 1996 to 782 cases in 2011. Symptoms of human anaplasmosis include fever, severe headache, muscle aches, and chills.

This can lead to severe respiratory failure, renal failure, and secondary infections. In 2013, 627 cases of anaplasmosis were reported statewide.

A high-risk area for tick-borne diseases has been reported in Todd County. In 2013, the county had six reported cases of human anaplasmosis and 11 cases of Lyme disease, which is a potentially serious bacterial infection. It occurs in stages, and any organ can become involved, including the heart and brain.

It causes rashes, fever, chills, headaches, stiff neck, muscle and joint pain, fatigue. It can also lead to severe complications, such as arthritis and heart, brain and nerve problems.

In order to avoid blacklegged tick habitats generally mid-May through mid-July, walk in the center of trails.

Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and tuck pants into the top of socks or boots to create a ‘tick barrier’. Wear light colored clothes to make it easier to spot ticks. Use products containing permethrin and standard DEET-based products in a possible tick habitat.