Lyme disease is spread by the bite of deer ticks and Western blacklegged ticks. The deer tick is found sporadically throughout the province.

Ticks are tiny bugs, about the size of a sesame seed that feed on blood. They cannot fly. They move about the ground slowly, or they settle on tall grass and bushes until they attach themselves to a person or animal passing by. While most tick bites do not result in disease, some do.

Lyme disease bacteria have been found in ticks collected from some areas throughout Ontario. Lyme disease carrying ticks are more commonly found along the north shore of Lake Erie, particularly in Long Point, Point Pellee and Rondeau Provincial Park. Since 1991, between 15 and 40 cases of Lyme disease have been reported each year in Ontario; about half likely acquired the infection outside Ontario. Ticks carrying Lyme disease are much more common in the United States.

Even with a bite from an infected tick, there is only a small chance of getting Lyme disease. Ticks are most likely to transmit infection after being attached for at least two days of feeding; a complete blood meal can take several days. The tick's body slowly enlarges as it feeds, making it seen more easily.

If you develop these symptoms: fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, fatigue and a skin rash, especially one that looks like a red bull's eye, see and tell your doctor when and where you were bitten by a tick. If a deer tick bites you, you should remove the tick and have it tested through your family doctor. Get medical attention if any symptoms of early Lyme disease develop over the next month. The earlier treatment is received, the better. If not treated, complications of the heart, nervous system or joints can occur.

• Wear light-coloured clothing. It makes ticks easier to spot.
• Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
• Wear closed footwear and socks, never sandals. Tuck your pants into your socks.
• Use a tick repellent that has DEET (following the manufacturer's directions). Apply it to your skin and outer clothing. Avoid your eyes and mouth.
• Treat your pets and check them for ticks periodically.
• If in an area where you might get a tick bite, it's important to search your body well for ticks each day. Pay special attention to areas such as groin, scalp and armpits. Use a mirror to check the back of your body or have someone else check for you.

To learn more about Lyme disease talk to your family doctor or another health professional, or contact your local public health unit.

For more information about a wide variety of health topics, visit HealthyOntario.

June 2004

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