We are now into Lyme disease season and one of Ontario’s top public health officials has some advice about how to avoid getting it.
Lyme disease is caused by tiny blacklegged ticks, which have turned up in several parts of the province, including locations in the Rainy River region of Northwestern Ontario.
Interim Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. David Williams, says if you have been in wooded areas, or even just walking in long grass, you should check yourself carefully for these tiny bugs.
Dr. Williams says the tick has to be attached for more than 24-hours before it passes the disease on to you, so early detection is important.
Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics.
He says you can reduce your chances of landing a tick by wearing long pants and sleeves, tucking your pant legs into your socks, and using insect repellent with DEET.
