La Crosse County counts seven cases of Lyme disease in 2019

Tick season is still crawling among Midwest residents. The La Crosse County Health Department said they have confirmed seven cases of Lyme disease so far in 2019.

As people enjoy the final weeks of summer or prepare for fall hunting, Public Health Nurse Jo Foellmi gave a reminder to cover up and use tick repellent.

“We would really like people to if they find a tick on them to keep it and put it in a little baggy because if they do get sick in the next couple of months, they can bring that tick in with them, and it helps the doctor better determine what could be affecting them,” Foellmi said.

The symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, headache, fatigue and a skin rash. Lyme disease is transferred from the blacklegged tick known commonly as the deer tick.

The county tracked 18 cases of Lyme disease in 2018, but Foellmi said it is commonly seen during the hunting seasons. She noted some cases may be flareups from a previous illness.

“Once you have it, it never completely leaves the body,” Foellmi said. “It just goes dormant after treatment.”

Foellmi said although it is most prevalent, Lyme disease is not their only concern. The health department also confirmed cases of Anaplasmosis and have a suspect case of Ehrlichiosis. Anaplasmosis is also commonly spread by blacklegged tick and symptoms include fever, headache, chills and muscle aches. Both the lone star tick and the blacklegged tick are blamed for Ehrlichiosis by the Center for Disease Control. Symptoms are fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and sometimes upset stomach.

Foellmi said those going into the woods should take precaution by covering exposed skin and using tick repellent.