Health Department releases report on climate change and vector-borne diseases in Durham Region

Whitby, Ontario – Climate change is expected to increase the spread and incidence of vector-borne diseases (VBDs) among residents of Durham Region and the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and other Indigenous Peoples with whom we share these lands.

To help learn about, prepare for, and act against climate change, Durham Region Health Department has released the report, Assessing the Impact of Vector-borne Disease, available at durham.ca/ClimateAndHealth. Part of the series Climate Change and Health in Durham Region, this vulnerability assessment explores current and future health impacts of VBDs.

The report finds that a warming climate is increasing the spread of infectious vectors that can cause VBDs; mainly Lyme disease from black-legged ticks, and West Nile virus (WNV) from mosquitoes. Climate change is also expected to increase the spread of other VBDs such as anaplasmosis, Powassan virus disease and babesiosis, which are tick-borne diseases, as well as eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), which is a mosquito-borne disease.

The health burden of Lyme disease in Durham Region is rapidly increasing and appears to be outpacing the provincial average. The health burden of WNV in Durham Region has also increased over time.

“In many cases, these diseases are mild, but serious health consequences are possible.” said Dr. Robert Kyle, Durham Region Medical Officer of Health. “It’s also important to prioritize people at greater risk of serious illness – such as older adults; infants and young children; pregnant individuals; Indigenous Peoples; people with a chronic illness or weakened immune system; and those who lack access to protections such as shelter.”

The report highlights the need for increased awareness since most residents do not protect themselves from Lyme disease and WNV exposure. For example, a public health survey showed more than 90 per cent of Durham Region residents reported they do not use insect repellant. Among Lyme disease cases reported in Durham Region between 2019 and 2023, 80 per cent of infected people reported that they spent time in a woody or grassy area; however, most did not check for ticks, wear protective clothing or use insect repellant.

Health promotion, community engagement and collaborative approaches to VBD prevention and response planning may help increase context specific and culturally appropriate solutions, such as outdoor workers and First Nations Peoples asserting their harvesting, gathering and fishing rights.

“The report shows that most residents are not taking steps to protect themselves from mosquito and tick bites – even though the risk is present in our own backyards,” said Brenda Kwan, Manager, Health Protection, Durham Region Health Department.

“Preventive actions like eliminating sources of stagnant water, wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent with DEET or picaridin, and checking for ticks after spending time outdoors are simple but effective. These precautions are especially important when spending time in forested, grassy, or brushy areas, where ticks and mosquitoes are more likely to be found.”

To read the report or download a copy, visit durham.ca/ClimateAndHealth. For more information about Health Department programs focused on the environment and health, visit durham.ca/EnvironmentAndHealth.

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For more information, please contact the Health Department.