Rare tick disease poses a danger in Minnesota lakes area

Key Points:

• Tick populations, including deer ticks that carry Lyme disease and Powassan virus, are moving north in Minnesota, leading to increased emergency room visits for tick bites, especially around Gull Lake and nearby counties.
• Powassan virus, first detected in Minnesota in 2008, is rare but serious, causing neurological damage such as encephalitis, with no current treatment available; 2024 saw a peak of 14 cases in the state.
• Diagnosis of Powassan is challenging due to nonspecific symptoms and limited testing availability, with only a small percentage of ticks carrying the virus compared to Lyme disease bacteria.
• The family of Jeffrey Johannsen, who died in 2023 from Powassan virus complications, emphasizes the importance of prevention methods like wearing protective clothing and using EPA-registered repellents such as Permethrin.
• Public health officials recommend vigilance during peak tick season from late May to mid-July and highlight that even tiny nymph-stage ticks can transmit Powassan virus, underscoring the need for awareness and preventive care in outdoor activities.