Two more locations of Grey-Bruce have been added to the 2023 Ontario Lyme Disease Map after the discovery of black-legged ticks, which can carry the bacterium that causes Lyme disease.
Grey Bruce Public Health said the areas are located in the western part of Grey-Bruce near the Lake Huron shoreline. They include parts of Northern Bruce Peninsula, South Bruce Peninsula, Georgian Bluffs, Saugeen Shores, Arran-Elderslie and Kincardine.
The chance of encountering a black-legged tick in Grey-Bruce has increased over the years, along with the number of Lyme disease cases in Ontario. A 20-kilometre radius around a location where black-legged ticks were discovered through drag sampling is used to compute the estimated risk areas. Two new estimates were produced as a result of GBPH's 2022 tick observation. In the two counties, there are currently three risk areas. To enable them to take the necessary safeguards, Public Health Ontario informs the public about the areas that are at risk.
The risk zones for the relatively uncommon vector-borne sickness are estimated on the 2023 map. The highlighted areas on the map are those where black-legged ticks have been discovered, where they are most likely to exist, or where people may come into contact with them. Given that black-legged ticks feed on and are transported by animals and migrating birds, they can be found practically anyplace in Ontario. In 2021, there were 1,455 cases of Lyme disease across Ontario, which represents a rate of 9.6 cases per 100,000 people.
“While the risk of getting Lyme disease remains low, we’re asking residents to take simple measures to protect themselves from tick bites while enjoying the outdoors. It is important to be aware of the areas where black-legged ticks are known to live or in potential tick habitat, such as wooded areas, shrubs, tall grass, or leaf piles,” said GBPH Senior Program Manager Andrew Barton.
Not all black-legged ticks carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease and not everyone who is bitten by an infected tick will develop signs and symptoms of Lyme disease. In most cases, infected ticks must be attached to a person for at least 24 hours to pass on the bacteria. If you find a tick remove it immediately.
"Early Lyme disease symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle or joint pain, fatigue, and a bull’s-eye rash. Residents should consult a healthcare provider if experiencing these symptoms. If caught early, Lyme disease can be effectively treated with antibiotics," added Barton.
The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to avoid tick bites by:
-Using bug repellent containing DEET or Icaridin -Wearing light-coloured clothing -Tucking your shirt into pants, pants into socks, and wearing closed-toe shoes -Walking on clear paths -Using a sticky roll brush to remove ticks from clothing before getting into the car -Showering or bathing shortly after being outdoors -Checking your full body, children, gear, and pets for ticks