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Living > Public Health, Safety

Lyme Disease/Ticks

Borrelia Burgdoferi bacteria

Lyme disease is an infection caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. It can be caused by a bite from a blacklegged tick infected with the bacteria.

Ticks are tiny bugs the size of a sesame seed and do not fly. They are found on the ground, on tall grass and bushes and they attach themselves to animals and humans passing by.

The risk of getting bitten by a tick is greatest from spring to fall, but ticks can be present during mild winters.

Areas Where Blacklegged Ticks are Commonly Found

There are areas in Ontario that are considered high risk with an established tick population. However, it is important to note that you can be bitten by a tick anywhere outside of these high risk areas as well. These areas include:

  • Long Point Provincial Park
  • Rondeau Provincial Park
  • Turkey Point Provincial Park
  • Point Pelee National Park
  • Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area
  • St. Lawrence Islands National Park
  • Wainfleet Bog Conservation Area

Preventing a Tick Bite

  • Wear light coloured clothing to easily spot ticksWear long sleeved shirts and pants when walking in wooded and bushy areas.
  • Tuck in any loose clothing and wear shoes that cover your entire foot.
  • Spray insect repellent that contains DEET on exposed skin and clothing. Always follow manufacturer's instructions.
  • Check your skin for ticks after any outdoor activities. Pay special attention to areas such as the groin, scalp and armpits. Use a mirror to check the back of your body or have someone else check it.
  • Tick bites are usually painless so most people are unaware of attached ticks. Ticks brought into the house on clothing can result in a tick bite later because they can survive off of the body. Wash clothing and place in the dryer.

Cut your grass and dispose of leaf litter where ticks can live.

How Lyme Disease Spreads

Not all blacklegged ticks carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Ticks get the bacteria from feeding on infected mice, chipmunks, and birds. Cats and dogs can get Lyme disease, but cannot spread it to you. Pets can carry infected ticks into your home so check your pets regularly. Lyme disease is not spread from person to person.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Tick Infection

Early symptoms of Lyme disease usually occur within one to two weeks, but can occur as soon as three days or as long as a month, after a tick bite. Promptly seek medical advice if you develop fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, fatigue and a skin rash, especially one that looks like a red bull's eye rash. Be sure to tell your doctor the location you might have picked up the tick and when this occurred.


Treatment

If symptoms of Lyme disease develop, antibiotics should prevent further complications. The earlier the treatment is received the better. However, if left untreated, it can cause chronic illness.

Tick Sizes
Tick Sizes
Only Blacklegged Ticks/Deer Ticks (Top) carry Lyme disease and not Dog Ticks (bottom)

Image Courtesy of R. Lindsay, Public Health Agency of Canada

Removing and Reporting Ticks

  • Use tweezers to grab the tick as close to the skin as possible.
  • Gently pull the tick straight out until the tick releases its hold on the skin.
  • Do not squeeze, twist, or crush, the tick while removing it.
  • Don't put anything on the tick, or try to burn the tick off.
  • Place the tick in a screw top bottle and bring the tick to Public Health to be identified.
  • Only blacklegged ticks will be sent to the lab to be tested for Lyme disease.Clean the spot where you were bitten with rubbing alcohol and/or soap. Wash your hands.

Lyme Disease in Ontario

Ticks that carry Lyme Disease are in Ontario, and you need to know how to stay safe and not get bit.

For More Information, Contact:

  • For Lyme disease information call the Infectious Diseases program, 905-688-8248 ext. 7330 or 1-888-505-6074
  • For tick information or to drop off a tick, call Environmental Health, 905-688-8248 ext. 7767 or 1-888-505-6074
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