While smaller than the size of a poppy seed, deer ticks can cause big health problems for people and pets.

Commonly called a black tick, the deer tick can carry Lyme disease, which causes fever and chills, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and headaches. Sometimes a bulls-eye rash will appear near the bite location, but this happens only in about 10 to 20 percent of people infected. If left untreated, the disease can progress into multiple rashes, facial paralysis, weakness, numbness, arm and leg pain, joint pain and stiffness, irregular heartbeat, memory and concentration problems.

Since most people don’t have a rash and early symptoms are similar to many other illnesses, it is important to prevent getting bit in the first place.

Ticks are more numerous in early summer and fall. Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tell us that the milder winters are increasing the spread of ticks across the United States. A higher incidence of illness also is being seen because more ticks are carriers.

Keep ticks at bay:

• Stay out of high grass;
• Avoid wooded or bushy areas;
• Walk in the center of trails;
• Use a repellent or wear clothing treated with the chemical permethrin;
• Check yourself and your pets after time spent outdoors; and
• Shower to wash off unseen ticks.
• Visit the Minnesota Department of Health site to learn more about Lyme disease