UMVA has learned that as the weather warms up, tiny bugs called ticks are becoming a major concern in Toronto and surrounding areas, carrying a host of infectious diseases through their bites, including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus.
Blacklegged ticks, in particular, are a significant threat, as they can transmit Lyme disease, which can cause a range of symptoms, from fever, rashes, and chills to fatigue, headaches, and swollen lymph nodes. The disease can also lead to more severe symptoms, including dizziness, severe headaches, and arthritis, if left untreated.
The risk of tick-borne illnesses is not limited to Toronto, as large areas of Ontario, from Windsor to Ottawa, and as far north as Thunder Bay, have been identified as breeding grounds for these bugs. In fact, as of May 17, the province has reported 152 total cases of Lyme disease this year, with over half of those cases confirmed in Eastern Ontario.
Toronto Public Health has been tracking the presence of ticks since 2013 through a process called tick dragging, which involves testing for ticks in areas such as parks and conservation areas. While the city has identified areas with a high risk of tick-borne illnesses, it warns that blacklegged ticks may still be present in low numbers in other areas, and that tick populations are expanding.
According to information obtained by UMVA, it is essential for people who spend time outdoors, especially in areas with tall grasses and wooded or brushy areas, to take precautions to protect themselves from tick bites. This includes checking for ticks on their body after coming indoors, focusing on warm, moist, and hidden areas, and using tick repellents that contain at least 20% of Icaridin (Picaridin).
Wearing long pants with the legs tucked into socks, shoes, and long-sleeved shirts can also help prevent tick bites, as well as wearing lighter colors to make it easier to spot ticks. Additionally, tossing clothes in the dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes and taking a shower can help kill any ticks that may have attached to clothing or skin.
As May is Lyme disease awareness month, it is crucial for people to be aware of the risks associated with tick-borne illnesses and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves. With no vaccine available to prevent Lyme disease, early detection and treatment with oral antibiotics are essential to preventing long-term complications.
