Lyme Disease
Infection resulting from a bite from an infected blacklegged (deer) tick Where are these ticks found?
Blacklegged ticks are found in areas of Southern Ontario, including:o Long Point Provincial Park
o Turkey Point Provincial Park
Signs and Symptoms
If you have these symptoms, call your health care provider.
A circular red rash around the bite area, 3-30 days after the bite This red rash occurs in 70-80% of people who get Lyme disease The rash may get larger to form a red ring with a clear centre Flu like symptomso Fever and chills
o Headache and joint pain
o Feeling tired
o Stiff neck
o Swollen glands
Treatment
Lyme disease can be treated with antibioticsSpread
Ticks can attach onto people when they are spending time on walking trails or any area with tall grass or bushes Transmission of the infectious agent usually does not occur until the tick has been attached to you for 24 hours or morePrevention
Dress to stay tick-free:
Cover feet, arms and legs with closed-toe shoes, and light-coloured long-sleeved shirts and pants Tuck pant legs into socks Apply bug spray with DEET or Icaridin on skin and clothing (put on bug spray after applying sunscreen)After you get home from the outdoors, take time to:
Check yourself, family members, and pets for ticks right away Have a shower or bath within two hoursTick Removal
If you find a tick on yourself or a family member, follow these steps to remove it and bring it to the local Health Unit to be sent for testing: 1. Remove the attached tick with tweezers (grab the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out.) 2. Wash your hands and apply antiseptic ointment to the bite area. 3. Write down the date and place where tick was most likely picked up and where on your body it bit you. 4. Place the tick in a container and bring it to the local Health Unit
