As the daytime temperature begins to rise, ticks become active looking for a blood meal. When outdoors – in environments like wooded areas, tall grasses and shrubs – be aware ticks may be there. You may be at risk of getting Lyme disease if bitten by an infected tick. Ticks have been found in Renfrew County and District for many years with a small number of them testing positive for the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.
Lyme disease symptoms can range from a bulls eye rash around the bite site to headache, fever and muscle or joint pain. Symptoms can appear from 3 to 30 days after a bite from an infected tick. Consult a health care provider if you experience any of these symptoms.
Taking the following precautions will help reduce your risk of being bitten when in tick containing environments:
- Dress in light coloured clothing to make spotting adult and nymph ticks easier. Ticks are dark in colour.
- Always remember to do a tick check when you or any person returns inside from being in a tick environment.
- Thoroughly check your body for ticks and nymphs and promptly remove and dispose of them. Be sure to check those hard to reach areas such as skin folds and hair lines.
- Take a quick shower to assist in removing any unattached ticks.
- Putting clothing into a hot dryer for several minutes will kill the ticks.
- Check your pets for ticks. They can carry ticks into your home.
Not all ticks cause Lyme disease. Getting Lyme disease depends on the length of time the infected tick is attached or feeding. Ticks that are removed quickly and have been attached for less than 24 hours are not likely to pass the bacteria to you. However, if the tick has been attached for longer than 24 hours you may be at increased risk and it is recommended that you consult a health care provider. If you find a tick on your body, check to see if it is flat or fat. A fat tick is a sign that it has been feeding for a longer period of time and you should provide this information to your health care provider.
The Renfrew County and District Health Unit accepts ticks found on humans (not pets) in order to test the tick for Lyme disease. You can also bring them into a health care provider. Don’t throw them away!
For more information about ticks and Lyme disease visit us at www.rcdhu.com or call our Environmental Health Department (613)-735-8654 ext. 555.
