Tick-borne diseases in Minnesota: an update.

Tick-borne diseases endemic to Minnesota include Lyme disease, babesiosis, anaplasmosis/ehrlichiosis, Powassan virus illness and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Physicians need to be aware of these diseases and be vigilant about testing for them when patients present with acute febrile illness or rash within one month of potential tick exposure. In addition, they need to educate patients about these diseases and encourage prevention measures, especially use of tick repellents. This article reviews the epidemiology of these illnesses in Minnesota and the current recommendations for diagnosis and treatment.