Don’t Get Sick — Check for Ticks!
Ticks in Northern Wisconsin
Ticks are active from early spring through late fall, especially in wooded and grassy areas. Some carry bacteria that cause serious illnesses like Lyme disease and anaplasmosis.
Common Tick-Borne Illnesses
- Lyme Disease: Rash, fever, joint pain, fatigue.
- Anaplasmosis: Fever, chills, muscle aches, confusion.
- Ehrlichiosis: Similar to anaplasmosis, with possible rash.
- Babesiosis: Flu-like symptoms, fatigue, anemia.
- Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis: Fever, headache, muscle aches, rash.
- Powassan Virus: Fever, confusion, seizures, loss of coordination.
- Borrelia miyamotoi: Fever, fatigue, headache, recurring symptoms.
- Tularemia: Sudden fever, skin ulcer, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue.
Preventing Tick Bites
- Wear light-colored clothing and tuck pants into socks.
- Use EPA-approved repellents like DEET or permethrin.
- Walk in the center of trails; avoid tall grass and leaf litter.
- Shower and check for ticks after coming inside.
How to Remove a Tick
- Use tweezers to grasp tick close to skin and pull straight out.
- Clean bite area and hands with soap or alcohol.
- Save the tick in a container or plastic bag if symptoms develop.
Watch for symptoms like fever, fatigue, rash, or muscle aches within 30 days of a bite. Contact your healthcare provider if you feel unwell.
Local Risk & Resources
Oneida County sees some of the highest Lyme disease rates in Wisconsin. Stay alert and protect yourself outdoors.
Interactive: Wisconsin Tick Bite Tracker
Explore tick bite activity across Wisconsin using the interactive map and dashboard below, powered by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has a new Tick Surveillance Report on the Ticks in Wisconsin: What You Need to Know webpage.