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Tick Carrying Lyme Disease Discovered in Port Burwell

Wednesday, 26 May 2021 at 15:13

A deer tick collected from Port Burwell has tested positive for the agent that causes Lyme disease.

PORT BURWELL - A deer tick collected from Port Burwell has tested positive for the agent that causes Lyme disease.

This is the first local deer tick to test positive in Elgin County in 2021. Manager of Environmental Health for Southwestern Public Health Amy Pavletic says Port Burwell has been a risk area since 2019. 

"This serves as a reminder to be vigilant when enjoying the outdoors in the area." 

Southwestern Public Health announced earlier this week they will not be testing ticks this year because of the demands related to the pandemic.

This test was done before that decision was made. If you come across a tick, you can use this tool online to help identify what kind of tick it is and if you should be concerned about the potential for Lyme disease. You can access that tool online here. 

The blacklegged or deer ticks that can carry various bacterial diseases, including Lyme disease, are becoming more common as the climate becomes warmer.

Some tick tips for the summer;

- Don’t walk with bare legs in tall grass, wooded areas or marshlands

- Wear long sleeves, pants and fully closed boots/ shoes

- Tuck your pants into your socks

- Wear light-coloured clothing to spot ticks easier

- Wear a bug repellent with Deet

- Do a “tick check” after walking in an area where you may come in contact with a tick

- Shower and towel off to remove any ticks that might not be attached, and then check underarms, neck and groin area

It is important to remember that ticks can be tiny. They can range from the size of a pinhead to the size of a watermelon seed, and even larger if they have been feeding.

Knowing the Lyme Disease hot spot areas is important so you can avoid them as much as possible. Click here for the Public Health Ontario Map.

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