BEMIDJI — As the weather cools off and the changing leaves in the forests attract visitors, health care experts are reminding Minnesotans that disease-carrying ticks are still in season.
“While many people are ready to enjoy the cooler weather while hunting, hiking or pumpkin picking, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute research has shown an autumn surge of deer ticks, which transmit Lyme disease,” a news release stated. “That means being tick aware and taking preventive measures while outside this fall."
Dozens of ticks as part of this study were submitted from the Bemidji area. The Tick Inventory via Citizen Science is an effort to identify and assess tick risk in the Midwest. It originally began in Wisconsin in 2024 and has since expanded to Minnesota and North Dakota, with more than 15,000 ticks submitted to date.
“Citizen-submitted ticks are one of the most valuable tools we have for tracking tick populations and the diseases they carry,” stated Alexandra Linz, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute staff scientist. “Every tick sent in for research helps scientists build a more accurate picture of public health risks and strengthens our ability to protect communities.”
Deer ticks are about the size of a poppy seed and can be found in wooded and grassland areas. In addition to Lyme, deer ticks can transmit pathogens that can cause other life-altering diseases.
“Ticks are a part of life in northern Minnesota, where spending time outdoors is such an important part of our communities,” stated Dr. Joseph Corser, interim chief medical officer at Sanford Health.
“Because some tick-borne illnesses can cause significant health problems if they aren’t recognized and treated, it’s important to take prevention seriously and pay attention to symptoms after a tick bite. A little awareness can go a long way toward protecting your health while still enjoying the outdoors.”
Symptoms of tick-borne illnesses include rash, fever, joint pain, and fatigue within several days to weeks. Lyme disease does not always present with the classic bullseye rash. If experiencing these symptoms, contact a medical provider and bring the tick in a plastic bag, if possible.
To reduce risk of tick bites, health experts recommend spraying the insecticide permethrin on clothing, sleeping bags and tent fabric; covering exposed skin; and checking for ticks after time spent outdoors.
Tick collection kits are available at the Sanford Bemidji Walk-In Clinic lobby.
Tick submissions from all over Minnesota are encouraged, regardless of being a patient of Sanford Health or Marshfield Clinic.
A pre-paid collection kit can also be mailed to an address by contacting Sanford Health via email or phone at 1-715-389-7796, extension 16462.
Groups interested in having kits available for their visitors, such as parks and nature centers, vet clinics and libraries, also are encouraged to contact Marshfield Clinic Research Institute.
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