Essential Tips to Avoid Tick Bites and the Risks of Lyme Disease

As warmer months approach, the South East Health Unit is alerting residents to a growing concern–ticks. With black-legged ticks spreading rapidly across Ontario, particularly in Hastings County and Prince Edward County, it’s vital to be informed and prepared.

Ticks, which are arachnids rather than insects, can be deceptively small and painless when they bite, often going unnoticed until they have already attached and begun feeding. Bill Sherlock, the environmental health manager at the health unit, warns, "The risk of encountering black-legged ticks in the southeastern region is very high compared to the rest of the province."

Key Preventative Measures

To safeguard yourself and your loved ones from tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease, the health unit provides several crucial recommendations:

1. **Use Approved Repellents:** Apply insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin. Always verify that the product is safe for children before usage.

2. **Dress for Safety:** Wear permethrin-treated clothing and choose light-colored outfits. Long sleeves, pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes are advisable, with pants tucked into socks for added protection.

3. **Post-Outdoor Check:** After outdoor activities, inspect your body thoroughly, including hard-to-see areas like creases, behind the ears, and your scalp. Showering within two hours can help remove any loosely attached ticks.

4. **Be Pet Aware:** Pets can carry ticks into your home, so it is essential to check them regularly as well.

5. **Safe Tick Removal:** Should you find an attached tick, remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool. Grip the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out without twisting.

Understanding Lyme Disease and Other Risks

The real danger with ticks comes from diseases they may carry. The likelihood of contracting Lyme disease escalates if a tick is attached for more than 24 hours, significantly increasing after 48 hours. However, the rare Powassan virus can transfer from ticks to humans in as little as 15 minutes, heightening the urgency for vigilance.

Early signs of Lyme disease can manifest as: - A distinct circular rash or a bullseye pattern - Fatigue - Muscle pain - Headaches - Fever and chills - Stiff neck - Decreased appetite

More severe symptoms could escalate to facial paralysis, heart issues, meningitis, or arthritis, underlining the importance of immediate medical attention upon recognition of symptoms after outdoor exposure.

It's crucial to note that natural immunity to Lyme disease does not develop, meaning one can contract it multiple times. Although the health unit no longer accepts ticks for testing, individuals can utilize the resource at etick.ca for identification.

For more on ticks and how to prevent tick-borne illnesses, visit the health unit's resources.

Set out this season educated, prepared, and ready to enjoy the great outdoors while keeping ticks at bay!