June 23, 2008 - Since April 30th of this year, at least one tick per day has been brought into the Health Unit for identification. The vast majority of these ticks are harmless dog ticks (also known as wood ticks), however, some are being identified as deer ticks: the species that can spread Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection. Symptoms of the disease include rash, fever, headache, joint pain, chills and muscle pain. In its early stage, the disease is effectively treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, Lyme disease can progress to cause serious illness, including damage to the nervous system, cardiovascular system and joints.
Not all deer ticks carry Lyme disease but the bite of an infected deer tick can transmit the disease to humans. With two human cases of Lyme disease reported in our District last year (one of these cases was acquired within the District), the Health Unit reminds residents to practice tick bite prevention and to promptly remove ticks from people and pets to prevent disease transmission.
“None of the deer ticks tested this year has carried the disease,” said Darlene Binette, Manager of Infectious Diseases. “But we know deer ticks are now in the District and their population is growing so we want to make sure people are protecting themselves.”
The following actions are recommended to prevent tick bites and to reduce the risk of disease transmission:
Wear proper clothing. Clothing should include light colours, long-sleeved shirts, pants, high socks and runners.
Use insect repellent with DEET. Always follow the directions on the repellent label.
Do a tick check. Check yourself, children and pets after being outdoors.Ticks can be very small so do a thorough and careful check.
Carefully remove any tick you find. Do not put anything on the tick or try to burn it off. Do not squeeze the tick. Use tweezers to carefully grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible. Pull it straight out gently, but firmly. Do not twist or rotate the tick and try not to damage the tick (i.e., squash or crush it) during removal. After removing a tick, wash the site of attachment with soap and water or disinfect it with rubbing alcohol.
Bring ticks into the Health Unit. Save any tick you remove or find by placing it in a clean jar or plastic bag and drop it off at the Health Unit for identification.
For more information contact the Infectious Diseases Program at 625-8318 or toll-free at 1-888-294-6630,extension 8318.
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