SWPH Reports Sharp Rise in Blacklegged Ticks

Friday, 15 March 2024 at 14:33

Since March 1, 8 blacklegged ticks have been reported by Southwest Public Health, compared to only 1 through the whole month of March in 2023.

OXFORD COUNTY - Southwestern Public Health is reminding everyone to be aware of ticks after a sharp rise in blacklegged ticks, or deer ticks.

They say that since March 1, 8 blacklegged ticks have been identified. This is compared with last year in 2023, where just 1 was reported across the entire month of March.

Public Health Inspector at Southwestern Public Health, Serena Roberts, says the odd weather to start the year may be to blame.

“We tend to think of ticks as a warm-weather pest, yet ticks start to become active once temperatures rise above 0 degrees celsius. The spring-like weather we have been experiencing is likely contributing to this early tick activity.”

Lyme disease is an illness caused by the bacteria b. burgdorferi, which is spread to humans through bites from infected ticks. Only blacklegged ticks carry this bacteria, although not all do.

Symptoms of Lyme disease begin 3 to 30 days after a bite and may include fever, headache, and an expanding rash that may or may not resemble a bullseye. If left untreated, late Lyme disease symptoms may include arthritis, multiple rashes, as well as neurological and cardiac issues.

Roberts says it's important to make sure you monitor yourself and your loved ones.

“Protect yourself from ticks by covering up when you are going to be walking through or working in tick habitats – such as tall grasses, shrubs, or piles of leaves. If you find a tick attached to you, carefully remove it using a tick removal device and bring it into the health unit for identification. Always inform your health care provider when a tick is attached to you, regardless of what type of tick it is.”

The Environmental Health team at Southwestern Public Health are continuing to conduct routine surveillance for the presence of medically significant tick species in the region.