Minnesota recorded more than 1,000 cases of Lyme disease in 2008, a fourfold increase since 1998. The disease is transmitted by black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks or bear ticks. Not all ticks carry the bacteria, but tick infection rates tend to be high in Minnesota. The tick must be attached for at least 24 hours.
Early symptoms (three to 30 days after a tick bite): Bull's-eye rash, fever, chills, muscle and joint pain.
Delayed symptoms (days or weeks after onset): Multiple rashes, partial face paralysis, fever, stiff neck, numbness or pain in arms or legs, heart palpitations.
