It’s not the recognition Southwestern Public Health is aiming for.
This year’s Ontario Lyme Disease Map now includes a portion of the health unit’s coverage area in Malahide.
Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria that is spread through the bite of an infected blacklegged (deer) tick.
Jessica Fiddy, Public Health Inspector at the health unit reminds we are in hiking and camping season and advises the wearing of long sleeves and pants, closed shoes, and a bug spray with DEET when in wooded or bushy areas or when in tall grass.
She says, “Carefully check yourself for ticks after spending time in these areas, being aware that ticks can be very tiny.”
Fiddy adds, ticks that have been carefully removed from a person’s body can be brought to Southwestern Public Health for identification. Knowing the type of tick can help determine the risk of getting Lyme disease.
To find out more, visit Ticks and Lyme disease and Lyme disease: prevention and risks
Written by Ian McCallum
