A blacklegged tick collected in Northern Bruce Peninsula has tested positive for the bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi that causes Lyme disease. Lyme disease is spread by the bite of blacklegged ticks carrying B. burgdorferi. Blacklegged ticks are most often found in forests, wooded areas, shrubs, tall grass and leaf piles. The risk of Lyme disease increases the longer the tick has been attached (e.g., more than 24 hours). There have been no confirmed cases of Lyme disease in humans in Grey and Bruce Counties in 2018.
The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to avoid being bitten by a tick. The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends the following tips when heading outside to areas where ticks can be found:
• Use bug spray with DEET or Icaridin (always follow directions).
• Wear closed-toe shoes, long sleeves and pants.
• Tuck your shirt into your pants, and your pants into your socks.
• Walk on paths.
• Do a daily full body tick check on yourself, your children, your pets, and your gear.
• Shower or bathe within two hours of being outdoors.
• Put your clothes in a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes.
If you find a tick on yourself or a family member, immediately remove it with a pair of fine-tip tweezers. Ticks can be submitted to health care providers or the Grey Bruce Health Unit for identification. Ticks identified as blacklegged will be tested for B. burgdorferi.
Please speak to your health care provider if a tick has bitten you and are concerned about your health. Early detection of Lyme disease is very important. If caught early, Lyme disease can be treated effectively with antibiotics. Symptoms may occur 3 to 30 days after you have been bitten, including: rash (sometimes shaped like a bull's eye), fever, chills, headache, fatigue, and muscle pain. If untreated, in weeks or months after a bite, more severe symptoms could develop, including severe headaches, facial paralysis, joint paint, and nervous system disorders (e.g., dizziness, mental confusion, nerve pain, etc.).
If you find a tick on your dog or cat and are concerned, please consult with your veterinarian. Regular tick checks and prompt removal are also important for pets.
More information on Lyme disease and tips to reduce your risk is available at:
Public Health Agency of Canada
source: media release, Grey Bruce Health Unit
