Province reports over 10,000 recorded cases of Lyme disease since 2021

TORONTO – The province is encouraging residents to guard themselves against tick bites to reduce the risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. 

Blacklegged (deer) ticks, which can carry Lyme disease, can be active whenever temperatures are above zero degrees Celsius.

Blacklegged ticks prefer shaded, humid spots like wooded areas, leaf litter and trail edges. 

American dog ticks, known for spreading Rocky Mountain spotted fever, are usually found in grassy areas and meadows.

Officials recommend light-coloured clothing, long sleeves, pants tucked into socks, insect repellent with DEET or icaridin, staying on marked trails and regular tick checks.

Symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, headache, fatigue and a bulls-eye rash. If you have any symptoms, consult a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with antibiotics, provincial officials state in a news release. 

Pharmacists can assess tick bites and provide medication to help prevent Lyme disease.

Ticks should be removed immediately using fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible without crushing it. 

Once removed, wash the area and hands with soap and water, and then disinfect the area and hands with rubbing alcohol or an iodine swab.

You can submit a photo of the tick to etick.ca for identification.

Since 2021, Ontario has logged over 10,000 Lyme disease cases.

Since 2023, ticks have been responsible for 300 cases of anaplasmosis, around 20 cases of Powassan virus and 30 of babesiosis in the province.