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Protect yourself from disease-carrying ticks this spring

May 2, 2024   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

The warmer weather is now here, and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is reminding people to protect themselves from ticks when in an outdoor setting.

Woodland trails and grassy areas can be home to blacklegged ticks that may carry Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a serious but preventable illness.

Ticks are more common across Ontario and Simcoe Muskoka as climate change is creating more tick-friendly environments and lengthening the season during which ticks are active. Ticks prefer to live in moist, shaded environments, especially leafy wooded areas and overgrown grassy habitats.

Lyme disease is passed through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick. Early symptoms may include fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, and an expanding red rash. It may begin three to 30 days after being exposed.

Most cases of Lyme disease can be successfully treated during the early stages when symptoms first appear. More severe symptoms including recurring arthritis, neurological problems, and heart disorders can occur if left untreated.

You can reduce your chance of exposure by taking precautions when heading outdoors in grassy or wooded areas.

Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants, and shoes with closed toes. Tuck your pant cuffs into your socks.

Light-coloured clothing makes ticks easier to spot.

Use an insect repellent with DEET or Icaridin, and be sure to read the label and follow the directions.

Stay on the trails when possible when walking or biking in the woods and other natural areas.

After spending time outdoors, do a full body tick check on yourself, your family, and any pets as soon as you can and at least before you go to bed that day. You can use a mirror or ask someone to help you check any hard-to-see places.

Removing a tick within 24 hours can prevent infection.

If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible and check the rest of your body as there could be more.

Once removed, visit eTick.ca to identify the tick and follow the guidance provided. If you develop any symptoms associated with Lyme disease, be sure to speak to your health care provider.

Avoiding bites, removing ticks quickly if bitten and early detection can effectively prevent Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses including Powassan virus, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, and Borrelia miyamotoi disease.

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