Beware of Minnesota's deadly ticks

Photo by Waldo Jaquith

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According to the Pioneer Press, a child in Dakota County died this July from Rocky Mountain spotted fever.  The ticks that are spreading it are the American dog ticks, which are very common in Minnesota.

This is the first death from the bacterial disease in Minnesota.  The illness is not as common in the Midwest opposed to the rest of the country.

Deer ticks spread disease too.  They carry Powassan disease which leads to the swelling of the brain called encaphalitis.  Minnesota just reported its first two cases in Cass County and both victims have needed continuous care because of neurological problems.

A lot of people do not see the ticks latch on, so be careful!