Be On The Lookout: Deer Tick Found in Minnetonka

Now that spring is here, remember to check for ticks.

"An adult female deer tick was found in sec 9 of Minnetonka today (E of Wayzata Bay & Grays Bay, W of 494, & S of 394)," Metropolitan Mosquito Control District reported on Facebook Friday. "Postworthy because deer ticks used to be rare to nonexistent in southern Hennepin County and also is a good reminder that ticks are around, even though our tick risk meter is set on low." 

A Lyme infection can most notably affect the joints, nervous system and heart. The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District's Lyme Disease Program identifies and monitors the distribution of deer ticks within the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area.

The district has found that deer ticks occur in northern and eastern Anoka County, northern Ramsey County and most of Washington County. Isolated populations have also been found in Hennepin, Dakota, Scott and Carver counties.

Not all deer ticks are infected, and at least 24 to 48 hours of attachment time is needed before an infected tick could infect you.

Click here to learn more about deer ticks and Lyme Disease.