Dealing with the threat of Lyme disease
Health workers and elected municipal officials held a press briefing Mondy at the Cowansville Nature Center to better inform the public about ways to prevent tick bites and learn about services available when a bite occurs.
The Director of Estrie Public Health, Dr. Mélissa Généreux, gave an assessment of the situation concerning Lyme disease for which cases are increasing in the MRC Brome-missisquoi and throughout southern Quebec.
"With this new reality, we can’t just stop doing our favorite outdoor activities. We have to take the necessary protective measures," she said.
The entire Brome-missisquoi territory is affected by the new phenomenon that is attributable to the warming climate. Research and control are improving, and Dr. Généreux reported tips for preventing tick bites and how to protect both children and adults during outdoor activities from April to November.
Suggestions
• Use mosquito repellent based on DEET or icaridine.
• Walk on marked trails and avoid brushing againstd vegetation.
• Wear a hat, closed shoes and light colored long clothing.
After a hike:
• Take a bath or shower and examine your skin for ticks.
• Remove ticks quickly with thin forceps(tweezers).
• If you have been bitten in Bromemissisquoi or Haute-yamaska, you may be given preventive treatment after calling Info Santé at 811.
• Call Info Santé at 811 or see a doctor if you have any symptoms (redness, especially at the site of a bite, fever, headache, tiredness, stiffness in the neck, joint or muscle pain) within 30 days of being bitten.
It is also recommended to prepare land to reduce the presence of ticks.
Ticks do not jump and do not fly. People and animals have to rub against the vegetation for them to grab hold. They prefer moist, low-sun areas such as woods, forests, tall grass and shrubs.
For more information on Lyme disease, visit the www.santeestrie.qc.ca/lyme website.