Tick tests positive for Lyme disease in Elgin County
Deer tick tests positive for Lyme disease in Southwestern Public Health region
Tick was recently collected from the Port Burwell area
Today Southwestern Public Health confirmed a deer tick collected from Port Burwell has tested positive for the agent that causes Lyme disease.
This is the first local deer tick to test positive in Elgin County for the 2021 season, however Port Burwell has been a risk area since 2019.
“This serves as a reminder to be vigilant when enjoying the outdoors in the area,” said Amy Pavletic, Manager of Environmental Health for Southwestern Public Health.
Lyme disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected deer tick. Once a tick is infected, it may transmit the Lyme disease-causing bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi to humans through a bite. The best way to protect yourself from Lyme disease is to avoid tick bites. Ticks are often found in areas with tall grass and bushes and they attach to people who walk by. They cannot fly or jump.
Steps to avoid tick bites:
- Wearing long sleeves, pants tucked into socks, and fully closed boots/ shoes when walking in areas ticks like
- Wearing light-coloured clothes to help see ticks
- Using a bug spray with DEET (always read and follow the label)
- Doing a “Tick Check” after walks: shower and towel off to remove loose ticks, then check body for any ticks
- Be aware of Lyme disease risk areas in Ontario
- If a tick is found on a person’s body, it is important to remove it as soon as possible
- Transmission of Lyme disease is not likely to occur if the tick was attached for less than 24 hours
If you find a tick on you, remove it carefully:
- Use fine-tipped tweezers and grab the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull it straight out without squeezing the tick
- Clean the bite with rubbing alcohol and/or soap and water
It is important to know the type of tick to determine your risk of Lyme disease. In Ontario, only deer ticks can transmit Lyme disease. Currently, due to the COVID-19 pandemic response, Southwestern Public Health is not accepting ticks for identification. However, eTick is a free electronic tick identification service available online or by downloading the mobile eTick app. Send in a photo of your tick and an expert will identify it within 48 hours. They will contact you with the results and provide the necessary public health information.
Symptoms of Lyme disease usually show up between three days to one month after being bitten by an infected tick. Early symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, and a bull’s eye rash, but not everyone gets this rash. If left untreated, Lyme disease symptoms can progress to cardiac symptoms including central and nervous system disorders, although this is rare. If you are concerned about your health following your exposure to a tick, please consult with your Health Care Provider.
For more information on ticks and Lyme disease, visit: https://www.swpublichealth.ca/en/my-health/ticks-and-lyme-disease.aspx
Contacts
Megan Cornwell
Communications Manager | Southwestern Public Health
519-631-9900 x 1259 | 1-800-922-0096