The EOHU area has known risk areas where blackfoot ticks have been identified and where individuals have the opportunity to come in contact with infected ticks. Visit www.eohu.ca/lyme for a map of the Ontario Endangered Area. Lyme disease is a serious illness that can cause the following symptoms, usually within three to 30 days after a tick bite:
Fever Headache Muscle aches and joint pains Stiff neck Decreased appetite Fatigue Swollen glands Rash (although many people never show or see a rash)
The risk of transmitting Lyme disease from one tick to another is very low if the tick is attached for less than 24 hours, however the risk increases if an infected tick is attached for more than 24 hours. “It is important to contact your healthcare provider if you think a tick has been sticking for more than 24 hours or if you have flu-like symptoms or an expanding rash in the weeks following a tick bite,” says Dr. Pavlos Roumeliotis, Health Officer at EOHU. “If Lyme infection is not recognized and treated, the symptoms can last for months to years and include serious health problems affecting the heart, nervous system or joints.” Most cases of Lyme disease can be successfully treated with antibiotics. Ticks are most active in the spring and summer months, but can be found at any time of year when temperatures are above zero, usually in wooded areas, tall grasses and shrubs. There are steps you can take to discourage the presence of ticks around your home and keep ticks away from you, your family and your pets. For more information on how to protect yourself and your loved ones from ticks and Lyme disease, visit www.eohu.ca/lyme.
