No sign of Lyme yet: Health Unit officials

Lyme disease has appeared in central Ontario, and Peterborough Public Health has seen an increase in tick appearances in this area.

“We’ve had over 80 ticks submitted for testing since March,” said public health inspector Wanda Tonus. Luckily, none of the tested ticks have been carrier for Lyme disease, she said.

According to Peterborough Public Health, cases of Lyme disease have increased in Canada due to climate change. Rising temperature have allowed the tick population to spread.

The turnaround time for testing ticks to find out whether they have Lyme disease is six to eight weeks, so early signs of the disease will appear before the test results are returned.

Symptoms of the early stages of Lyme disease can vary from person to person, but a prominent skin rash or flu-like symptoms are often the most common signs. These symptoms will appear within 30 days of the initial bite.

The Canadian Lyme Disease foundation lists more than 100 known symptoms connected to Lyme disease.

“Last year we had two or three

reported cases of Lyme disease in the area,” said Tonus.

Lyme disease is a potentially debilitating illness that can be carried by black-legged ticks. Ticks are tiny insects, which can make them difficult to detect.

“If a tick is found on a person, they can bring it in a we submit it to the public health lab for testing,” said Tonus. “If it is identified as a blacklegged tick, it goes onto Winnipeg for Lyme disease testing.”

Health officials offer advice on dealing with ticks: If you find yourself bitten by a tick, try to remove it as quickly as possible to reduce the chance of contracting Lyme disease.

The most effective way to get rid of a latched-on tick is by using a tick removal kit. The kit allows for the head of the tick to be grabbed more easily, instead of the body. Removing a tick by the body can cause the Lyme disease bacteria to be transferred.

If a tick removal kit is not available, fine-tipped tweezers can be used to remove a tick.

The easiest way to combat Lyme disease is prevention. Ticks are often found in tall grass or in forests. One of the best ways to prevent tick bites is to wear long pants and sleeves while walking in areas with long grass. Wearing closed-toe shoes and high socks will also help protect your legs from ticks that might live in the grass.

Using bug repellents that contain DET can be an effective way to ward off ticks and other potentially dangerous insects.

“I recommend wearing light-coloured clothing because it makes the ticks easier to spot,” said Tonus. “When you come in from the outdoors, make sure that you check all over for ticks.”

Public Health Ontario has released a 2018 estimated risk map for Lyme disease, and Peterborough County is not currently listed as an at-risk area.

The full map can be found at: www.publichealthontario.ca/en/eRepository/Lyme_disease_risk_areas_map.pdf

I recommend wearing lightcoloured clothing.. .it makes the ticks easier to spot.”

WANDA TONUS Public health inspector