How to know if you have Lyme Disease

by Alicia Lewis of KARE 11

As Minnesotans head outside to appreciate the warm weather, so does the state’s tick population. 

Some of these ticks can put you at risk for Lyme Disease and, this year, doctors are seeing more reported cases than ever before. According to the latest data from the Minnesota Department of Health, the majority of Minnesotans live in moderate to high risk areas when it comes to tick-borne illness.

Dr. Frank Rhame, an Infectious Disease Physician with Allina Health, said that the ticks are coming out earlier this year due to the warmer weather. 

Rhame said that deer ticks are the ones to watch for. The “Blacklegged Tick,” also known as the “Deer Tick,” is incredibly small — about the size of a sesame seed. 

The Deer Tick may be small but its bite is mighty. Rhame said if the tick is infected with Lyme Disease and passes that on to you, you have to act fast, especially if you see the telltale bullseye rash on your body.

Myriam Trépanier grew up in a colder climate in Quebec, Canada and was not as familiar with Deer Ticks carrying Lyme Disease. She found out too late.

Trépanier is a former D1 women’s hockey player and Crashed Ice all-star. She was typically active but found herself suddenly sidelined.

Trépanier, still having to use crutches on occasion, now has to inject herself with antibiotics through an IV at home with weekly doctor visits. She is hoping to see improvements after a month. 

We thank her for sharing her story.