Record 1,023 cases of Lyme disease in Minnesota

Associated Press - May 10, 2005

The cases of Lyme disease in Minnesota reached a record high last year, with 1,023 cases reported, the Minnesota Department of Health announced Monday.

The previous record of 867 Lyme disease cases was set in 2002.

Lyme disease is spread by deer ticks. It is often identified by an expanding "bulls-eye''-like rash that develops after a tick bite. Other symptoms include fatigue, fever, muscle aches and joint pain.

Experts say people can lower their risk of getting the disease by using insect repellent and by promptly removing ticks from the body.

If untreated, the disease can cause joint swelling and brain inflammation.