Spending time outdoors is one of the best parts of summer in Minnesota—but it also means increased exposure to ticks. At Riverwood Healthcare Center, we want our patients and community to stay safe while enjoying everything summer has to offer.
Minnesota is a high-risk state for tickborne diseases, especially in wooded, grassy, and lakeside environments common across our region. The most common ticks include the blacklegged (deer) tick, which spreads Lyme disease, the American dog (wood) tick; and the lone star tick.
Tickborne illnesses like Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis are present in Minnesota. Watch for symptoms like fever, fatigue, headache, muscle or joint pain, or a rash.
If you notice symptoms after a tick bite, don’t wait—early care matters. Our Riverwood providers are here to help with evaluation and treatment.
To reduce your risk of tick bites, the Minnesota Department of Health recommends taking a few simple precautions when spending time outdoors. Use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions for all repellent applications. Consider wearing long sleeves and pants for added protection. Avoid walking through tall grass and brush where ticks are commonly found and stick to the center of trails when possible. After being outdoors, check your body and pets for ticks and shower soon after coming inside to help wash away any unattached ticks.
If you find a tick attached, remove it as soon as possible using fine-tipped tweezers, pulling straight upward with steady pressure. Afterward, clean the bite area and monitor for symptoms such as fever, fatigue, or rash. Acting quickly is important—removing a tick within 24 hours can reduce your risk of infection.
“We recommend removing ticks promptly and paying attention to any symptoms that develop in the days or weeks after a bite,” says Riverwood Emergency Department provider Dr. David Taylor. “Early evaluation and treatment, when needed, can make a big difference.”
If you have concerns about a tick bite or symptoms of a tickborne illness, Riverwood Healthcare Center is here to help. Contact your primary care provider or schedule an appointment for care close to home in Aitkin, Garrison, or McGregor.
Call 218-927-2157 to schedule, or for quick, convenient access with no phone call, book through MyChart or online.