Spring brings risk of tick-borne illness

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) The Health Department is offering its annual reminder that warmer weather and outdoor activities brings an increased threat of illness from ticks.

The state reported seven cases of tularemia (TOO-la-ree-mia) last year and five of Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Symptoms of tick-borne illness include sudden fever, stiff neck, muscle pain, fatigue, headache, chills, a rash on the arms and legs or around the site of the bite, and swollen lymph nodes.

A tick bite is usually painless and appears as a small red bump with a bright red halo.



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