August 1, 2007 (THUNDER BAY & DISTRICT) -The Thunder Bay District Health Unit reports an increase this summer in public enquiries about ticks. Of concern is the confirmed presence of deer ticks – the species which can spread Lyme disease to humans.

Lyme disease is a serious inflammatory illness which affects the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and joints. Recently, the first human case of Lyme disease in the District of Thunder Bay has been confirmed.

Although the wood tick is still the most common tick found in our District, entomologist Dr. Ken Deacon indicates the deer tick can now survive in Northern Ontario forests, probably as a result of our milder winters and springs.

“Deer ticks are now a part of life in Thunder Bay,” said Deacon. “Although the population is small, it seems to be growing. If we want to continue to enjoy the outdoors, we have to adjust by protecting ourselves.”

Not all deer ticks have Lyme disease. Only deer ticks infected with the disease after feeding from an infected animal carry it. The deer tick can then pass on Lyme disease by attaching itself to a human and feeding for over 24 hours. By finding the deer tick and removing it within 24 hours of attachment, the risk of Lyme disease is minimized.

To avoid ticks, take the following precautions:
• Wear light-coloured clothing to help you see any ticks that may be on you.
• Wear shirts with long sleeves.
• Tuck your pants into your socks.
• Use insect repellants with DEET.
• Inspect yourself and your pets thoroughly after spending time in the woods.

To remove a tick:
• Use tweezers to grab the head of the tick and gently but firmly pull the tick out of your skin. 
• Do not squeeze the body of the tick.

To have a tick identified:
• Retain the tick in a sealed container and bring it to your doctor or the Health Unit.

For more information about ticks and Lyme disease, please contact the Health Unit’s Environmental Health Program at (807) 625-5930 or visit our website at tbdhu.com.

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Follow this link for tick information: http://www.tbdhu.com/Highlights/Ticks.htm

Follow this link for Lyme Disease information: http://www.tbdhu.com/NR/rdonlyres/77B52C56-A748-478F-9BB0-32ABE67110A3/0/LymeDisease.pdf

For more information,
Laura Craig 
Coordinator of Marketing and Communications 
Thunder Bay District Health Unit 
(807) 625-8800