HEALTH FILE

LYME AND REASON

Take precautions to prevent tick bites! Ontario is seeing an increase in cases of Lyme and other diseases transmitted by ticks. Image credit: ERIK KARITS on Unsplash.

From ONTARIO MINISTRY OF HEALTH

The Ontario government is encouraging people across the province to take precautions to prevent tick bites and reduce the risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses when enjoying the outdoors.

“We are seeing an increase in cases of Lyme and other diseases transmitted by ticks in line with other jurisdictions,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health.

If left untreated, Lyme disease can make you feel tired and weak. In severe cases, it can affect your heart, nerves, liver, and joints, and, in very rare cases, cause death.

Protect yourself from ticks by:

• Wearing light-coloured clothing, so it’s easier to spot ticks.

• Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants tucked into your socks, and closed-toed shoes.

• Using an insect repellent with DEET or icaridin in it.

• Checking yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks after being outdoors. Any ticks found should be removed using fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible. Wash the area with soap and water and then disinfect the area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or an iodine swab.

• Putting clothes on high heat in a dryer for at least 10 minutes before washing clothing after spending time outdoors. 

More info on ticks and Lyme disease at Ontario.ca/lyme.