NEW ULM — Don’t let ticks get the best of you this year.

That was the advice of Brown County Public Health Director Jaimee Brand in her public health update to Brown County Commissioners Tuesday.

Ticks are having a year with emergency department visits from tick bites at about 71 per 100,000 people a week across the country, more than double the typical rate this time of year, according to Brand who cited epidemiologist Dr. Katelyn Jetelina.

Ticks aren’t a problem in this area yet but likely will be soon.

A bad tick season usually follows a mild winter but, Jetelina urged the public to keep enjoying the outdoors while doing tick checks in tick-prone areas.

“This is what keeps me up at night. Ticks are off to a fast start in warmer part of the nation. We will keep an eye on this as we move into our warmer months,” said Brand regarding the high emergency department visit rate.

She advised the public how to counter a large tick and mosquito population.

“Wear light-colored clothing in the woods, avoid standing water and wash your hands,” said Brand.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) advised the public to be aware that black legged tick adults are most active in spring and fall and immature ticks are most active in mid-May through mid-July.

The MDH reported products containing permethrin, used on clothing and gear, are especially recommended for people who spend lots of time in wooded areas. Permethrin should not be used on skin.

A product containing no more than 30 percent DEET is an adult option and safe for children. Do not use DEET for infants under two months of age.

Ticks may look like a speck of dirt or freckle on skin, so getting help from a parent or a mirror can help find them. Use tweezers to remove ticks by grabbing them by the head. Clean the the area with soap and water.

In other puplic health updates, Brand said Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) Awards went to Turner Gymnastics Academy of New Ulm and the New Ulm Baseball Association.

“Both will be implementing healthy concessions,” said Brand. “Turner Gymnastics was awarded $7,920 to purchase a fridge and freezer. At least 40% of their concessions will be healthier options. New Ulm Baseball was awarded $5,563 to purchase North Park concession stand refrigerators. They will display healthier options first on their list and in front for more visibility.”

She said other partners including New Ulm Park & Recreation is looking at water bottle filling station options and Riverbend Area Learning Center is exploring healthy snack cart options.