As the warm weather approaches, WDG Public Health emphasizes the importance of tick awareness and preventive measures to safeguard against tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease.
“Tick-borne diseases are preventable, and awareness is our strongest defence. I urge everyone to be proactive by using effective tick prevention strategies when outdoors. This includes wearing light-coloured clothing, using repellant that contains DEET or Icaridin, and performing full-body tick checks on yourself, children and pets after being outdoors,” said Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health, WDG Public Health. “If you have concerns about a tick bite, contact your healthcare provider or local pharmacist (or veterinarian for your pet) as soon as possible.”
Ticks, particularly blacklegged ticks, are known carriers of Lyme disease and are often found in woody, bushy, or grassy areas. They can also be transported by birds into various environments. WDG Public Health advises the community to take extra precautions when spending time outdoors, especially in areas that may harbor ticks.
To help identify a tick, Public Health encourages residents to submit a photo to their Online Tick Photo Submission Form, or use the Provincial tick identification service, eTick. Submitting tick photos helps identify blacklegged ticks and collect local data on where blacklegged ticks are being found and how often. Public Health does not test ticks for the presence of harmful microorganisms (like Lyme disease).
For more information on tick safety, including instructions on how to safely remove a tick, visit wdgpublichealth.ca/ticks.
Media Contact
Danny Williamson
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health
1-800-265-7293 ext. 4376