Bug sprays with DEET and proper attire are your best weapons to fight against ticks.
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit is reminding the community to be on the lookout for blacklegged or deer ticks that may carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Wooded and natural areas are the ideal places to find ticks, but all of Northumberland County is considered a high risk area.
Richard Ovcharovich, Manager of Health for the unit, warns that the longer a tick feeds, the greater the risk, so early detection of tick bites is essential. “Wooded and natural areas are ideal places for blacklegged ticks to live, as they like to settle on tall grasses, branches and bushes, and then attach themselves to passing persons and animals,” said Ovcharovich. “Once attached, a tick will feed on the host’s blood. The longer a blacklegged tick feeds, the more it becomes engorged and the greater the risk it can spread Lyme disease to a person if the tick is infected with the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.”
Lyme disease is a serious illness that, left untreated, can lead to recurring arthritis, neurological problems, numbness, or
paralysis. Lyme can be successfully remedied with antibiotics, and the earlier this treatment starts, the greater the chance of a successful recovery.
How to Avoid Blacklegged Ticks
To avoid blacklegged ticks, the HKPR District Health Unit suggests you do the following:
• Apply bug spray containing DEET on your skin and clothing.
• Wear closed-toe shoes, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
• Pull socks over your pant legs if possible.
• Stay on marked trails when walking in a nature area.
• To keep ticks away from your property, cut grass short and trim bushes and branches to let in sunlight.
More prevention tips and resources are available on the HKPR District Health Unit website (hkpr.on.ca).
How to Remove a Tick and When to Seek Medical Advice
If you notice a tick on your body, remove it as soon as possible. There are many tick removal products available, so be sure to follow manufacturer’s directions. If using finely tipped tweezers, grasp the head of the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull it slowly, straight out. Immediately after, wash the bite area with soap and water, or alcohol-based sanitizer.
Residents are encouraged to seek medical attention if a blacklegged tick has been attached for more than 24 hours or is
engorged (meaning it has been feeding for some time). You should also see a doctor if you experience symptoms of
Lyme disease, such as skin rash, fever, chills, headache, stiff neck, and muscle/joint pain. Signs and symptoms of Lyme
disease can vary from person to person after being bitten by a tick.
Testing for Lyme Disease
While the HKPR District Health Unit no longer accepts blacklegged ticks for testing, residents are encouraged to use the
free eTick website to identify if a tick is the type that could spread Lyme disease. To use the eTick site:
• Submit a photo of the tick
• You will then be notified within 48 hours if the tick is the type that may spread Lyme disease
• You can then determine what additional care you need, including whether to see a health care provider
For individuals who want to have a tick tested for the presence of Lyme disease, there are several private labs that can
test the tick on a fee-for-service basis.
