'We are as hot a zone in the U.S. as any other state': Experts warn about ticks as temperatures warm up

HARTFORD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Spring is officially here and as temperatures begin to rise, so is tick season in Wisconsin.

A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention listed Wisconsin and Minnesota as two of several states across the U.S. where Babesiosis, an emerging zoonotic tickborne disease, significantly increased during 2011 to 2019. It joins Lyme disease and Deer Tick virus, already prevalent in Wisconsin.

"Wisconsin, we are endemic. We are as hot a zone in the U.S. as any other state," explained Dr. Konstance Knox, a virologist and founder of Coppe Laboratories. "Minnesota and Wisconsin share that."

According to Dr. Knox, Lyme disease, caused by black-legged ticks, is the most common of tick-borne diseases in Wisconsin. The CDC reported that roughly 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported by state health departments each year, however, recent estimates suggest approximately 476,000 people may get Lyme disease each year in the United States.

"There's a lot of Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections that just don't get diagnosed because the symptoms are like a lot of other things," Dr. Knox explained. "In Wisconsin, we need to be really vigilant about our exposure and look for those ticks if you've been in the woods."

Other tips to protect yourself from ticks include using insect repellent, checking your pets and children after spending time in nature, avoiding tall grass and when in wooded areas, staying on walking trails.

"Don't think twice about going out and enjoying the outdoors," Dr. Knox said. "Do a tick check at night when you get home, and you will do well to prevent and avoid Lyme and the tick bites."

More information on tick-borne illnesses can be found HERE.