As members of the community keep a safe distance among themselves during the pandemic, the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit says the idea also has some merit when it comes to avoiding the black-legged (or deer) ticks that can spread Lyme disease.
The health unit has issued a bulletin urging people to be extra watchful for this type of tick, which may carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease – an illness that, left untreated, can lead to recurring arthritis, neurological problems, numbness or paralysis.
Manager of Health Protection Richard Ovcharovich noted the presence of these ticks in much of southern Ontario including Northumberland County.
“It's important to take precautions wherever and whenever you're outside,” Ovcharovich stressed.
These ticks attach themselves to a passing person or animal, then feed on the host's blood. The longer it feeds, the greater the risk that it can spread Lyme disease to the host.
The health unit suggests a number of precautions thqat may reduce the risk.
Apply bug spray containing DEET to your skin and clothing.
Wear closed-toe shoes, long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
Pull your socks up over your pant legs, if possible.
Stay on marked trails when walking in a nature area.
Keep ticks away from your property by keeping your grass cut short and your bushes and branches trimmed to maximize sunlight exposure.
Check yourself for ticks after being outside. Shower as soon as possible to wash off any ticks, and put your clothes into a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill any ticks that may have hitched a ride.
If you do notice a tick on your body, remove it as soon as possible. A health-unit video provides instruction in proper removal. If you use a tick-removal product, follow manufacturer's directions. When using finely-tipped tweezers, grasp the head of the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull slowly, straight out. Immediately afterwards, wash the bite area with soap and water or use alcohol-based sanitizer.
Seek medical attention if it appears that a black-legged tick has been attached for more than 24 hours or looks like it's been feeding for some time. You should also see a health-care provider if you have such Lyme disease symptoms as skin rash, fever, headache and muscle or joint pain. When detected early, Lyme disease can be treated successfully with antibiotics. Please note: during the COVID-19 pandemic call your health-care provider first to ask how to get care. If you are self-isolating for any reason due to COVID-1, obtain guidance by contacting Telehealth (1-866-797-0000) or the health unit (1-866-888-4577 ext. 5020).
Federal regulators have recently approved permethrin-treated clothing for sale in Canada that is designed to repel ticks. This may be another option for people to protect themselves against tick bites.
As of this year, the health unit is no longer accepting ticks for testing. This was done previously for surveillance purposes only, but such surveillance is no longer necessary as the tick is known to be present throughout the province. This change does not affect medical testing for ticks that can be ordered by doctors for their patients. If people still want to have a tick tested for Lyme disease, the health unit can refer then to a private lab that will do the test on a fee basis.
The health unit encourages people to use the free eTick website (www.etick.ca) to identify any ticks they encounter – just submit a photo of the tick on the site and, within 48 hours, you will be notified whether it is a black-legged tick that spreads Lyme disease. The result can help people determine if they wish to see a health-care provider.
“We encourage people to get out and enjoy the outdoors,” Ovcharovich said in the press release.
“But do it safely and responsibly by keeping in mind pandemic precautions and reducing your exposure to black-legged ticks that may cause Lyme disease.”
