May is National Lyme Disease Awareness Month

Health Department urges everyone to take precautions against tick bites

Whitby, Ontario – As the weather warms up and outdoor activities increase, Durham Region Health Department reminds everyone to take precautions against tick bites, which can lead to Lyme disease infections.

Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which can be transmitted through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick. Blacklegged ticks are widespread across Durham Region, especially in forested or grassy or brushy areas. While not all ticks carry Lyme disease, it is important to be vigilant, especially during the spring and early summer when ticks are most active. Nymph stage ticks, which are extremely tiny, are particularly difficult to detect and can pose a higher risk of infection.

Reports of tick bites and Lyme disease infections in Durham Region have increased significantly. In 2024, there were 155 confirmed human cases of Lyme disease in Durham Region, compared to 110 cases in 2023. Early detection and prompt removal of ticks are crucial in preventing Lyme disease.

Early symptoms of Lyme disease can appear within a few days to a month after a tick bite and may include fever, chills, headache, muscle or joint pain, fatigue, stiff neck, swollen lymph nodes, and an expanding red rash that often looks like a bull’s-eye target. If left untreated, Lyme disease can progress to a more serious illness affecting the heart, joints, and nervous system. Early treatment with antibiotics is effective.

Residents can help reduce their exposure to Lyme disease by taking precautions; this is especially important if you frequent brushy or forested areas where ticks are most common:

• Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, socks, and closed footwear.
• Tuck pants into socks and wear light-coloured clothing to spot ticks easily.
• Use insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin on clothing and exposed skin.
• Take a shower within one to two hours of being outdoors and check your body thoroughly for ticks.
• Routinely check pets for ticks and consult a veterinarian for long-term protection.

For more information and to subscribe for email updates on Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, please visit durham.ca/Ticks or contact the Durham Health Connection Line at 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729.

For the most up-to-date information about areas in Ontario where there is a frequent risk of Lyme disease, visit Public Health Ontario’s website at Ontario Blacklegged Tick Established Risk Areas 2024. For identification of ticks, submit a picture to etick.ca.

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For more information, please contact the Health Department.