Algoma Public Health has confirmed that our district has had a first positive case of Lyme disease that was contracted in our region and not travel related.

Lyme disease can be a serious illness that can be spread to humans by the bite of an infected tick.

Ticks are tiny bugs, about the size of a sesame seed, which feed on blood. They cannot fly. They move about the ground slowly, or they settle on tall grass and bushes until they attach themselves to a person or animal passing by. While most tick bites do not result in disease, some do.

Lyme disease-carrying ticks are more commonly found along the north shore of Lake Erie, particularly in Long Point, Turkey Point and Rondeau Provincial Park.

If you are bitten by a tick, you should ask your healthcare provider to test for Lyme disease. Symptoms of a bite are a circular rash (referred to as a bull’s-eye), fever, chills or extreme fatigue.

Protect yourself against Lyme disease. Steps to prevent tick bites:

• Use a bug repellant that has “DEET” (follow the manufacturer’s directions).
• Avoid shrubs and tall grassy areas
• Wear long sleeve tops and pants
• Tuck your pants into your socks for extra protection
• Check yourself and your children for ticks

Ticks that are removed from a person, need to kept and submitted to any Algoma Public Health office. We then send them to the Central Public Health Laboratory in Toronto for positive identification.

 

Learn more: 

 

• Lyme Disease
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