Wednesday, May 31, 2023
booked.net
Reducing our footprint!   For every issue we print, we plant a tree!

No products in the cart.

  • About
    • Contributors
    • Disclaimers
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Giving back
    • Mission Statement
    • Past Issues
    • Where to Find
    • Call us at 613-935-3763
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinions
  • Lifestyle
  • Events
  • Columnists
  • Videos
  • Advertise!
    • Online
    • In Print
    • Classifieds
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result

Protect Yourself from Tick Bites and Lyme Disease

The Seeker by The Seeker
May 21, 2021
in News
Reading Time: 5 mins read
multiethnic friends searching for ticks while hiking

Photo by Kamaji Ogino on Pexels.com

15
SHARES
79
VIEWS

Learn How to Reduce Your Risk of Tick-Borne Illnesses During Warmer Seasons

Cornwall, Ontario — As the weather is getting warmer, the Government of Ontario is reminding everyone to take the necessary precautions when spending time outdoors to prevent tick bites and reduce the risk of Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is a potentially serious infection that comes from being bitten by an infected blacklegged tick. Infected ticks can be found almost anywhere in Ontario, particularly in wooded areas or areas with tall grasses and bushes, including city gardens and parks.

You might also like

Citizen-Led Referendum on Healthcare Privatization Sends Strong Message of Opposition

WDMH Foundation’s 1920s Murder Mystery Fundraiser

Locals in the Loupe: Chatting with Samantha of Celtic Treasures about her Brain Tumor Journey.

“Now that warmer weather is finally here, we want to ensure Ontarians know how to protect themselves from Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “The areas where ticks can be found are spreading, and as a result, more Ontarians are at a greater risk of getting a tick bite. By taking simple precautions, you can protect yourself and your family so that we can all enjoy the outdoors safely.”

When spending time outdoors, you can protect yourself from tick bites by:

  • Wearing light-coloured clothing so it’s easier to spot ticks.
  • Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants tucked into your socks, and closed-toed shoes.
  • Using an insect repellent with DEET or icaridin in it, which is effective and safe when applied as directed on the label.
  • Staying on marked trails.
  • Checking yourself, your children, and your pets after being outdoors and removing any ticks promptly, and washing your clothes after an outdoor activity.

“Lyme disease is preventable and can be treated successfully if the necessary precautions are taken,” said Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Ontario. “While ticks are most active in the spring and summer months, they can also be found during the fall when temperatures are still above freezing. I encourage everyone to follow these simple steps year-round to protect yourself and your families.”

Blacklegged ticks are small and hard to see. If you find ticks on your body, remove them immediately with tweezers and clean the area with soap and water. If you have any symptoms or health concerns after a tick bite, consult a health care provider as soon as possible. If caught early, most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with antibiotics.

While outdoor activities can help improve physical fitness and mental wellness, they are not risk-free and COVID-19 transmission can occur as a result of outdoor gatherings. It remains critical that Ontarians continue following public health measures to reduce transmission of the virus, protect hospital and public health capacity, and save lives.

Quick Facts

  • Infected blacklegged ticks can be found almost anywhere in the province, and there have been over 2,000 cases of Lyme disease in Ontario since 2019.
  • Early symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue and an expanding rash.
  • If left untreated, Lyme disease can make you feel tired and weak. In severe cases, it can affect your heart, nerves, liver and joints, and, in very rare cases, cause death.
  • While ticks are most active in spring and summer, they can be found during any time of the year when the temperature is above freezing.
  • In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Ontario government has extended the Stay-at-Home Order until at least June 2, 2021.
  • Effective May 22, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. the province will reopen outdoor recreational amenities with restrictions in place, such as maintaining physical distancing. Outdoor limits for social gatherings and organized public events will be expanded to five people, including with members of different households.

Additional Resources

  • For more information on ticks and Lyme disease, visit Ontario.ca/lyme.
  • Ontario Lyme Disease Map 2021: Estimated Risk Areas
  • Clinical Guidance Document: Management of Tick Bites and Investigation of Early Localized Lyme Disease
  • For public inquiries call ServiceOntario, INFOline at 1-866-532-3161 (Toll-free in Ontario only)

Author

  • The Seeker
    The Seeker

    View all posts

Next Post
joyful adult daughter greeting happy surprised senior mother in garden

Ontario Opening Up Outdoor Visits for Long-Term Care

Subscribe
Connect with
I allow to create an account
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree
Notify of
Connect with
I allow to create an account
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree
Please login to comment
1 Comment
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Christina Lalonde
Christina Lalonde
2 years ago

Why is this including stuff about stay at home orders!?! What dose that have to do with ticks

0

Inner Site Sidebar

Advertise Here
Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube TikTok
Don't miss anything!

Get notified of all our new news by ringing the bell at the bottom left corner!

Content Safety

HERO

theseeker.ca

Trustworthy

Approved by Sur.ly

2022
The Seeker Newspaper is located at 327 Second Street E., Cornwall, ON K6H 1Y8 -- All rights reserved
The Seeker does not accept responsibility for errors, misprints or inaccuracies published within. The opinions and statements of our columnists are not to be presumed as the statements and opinions of The Seeker, and should not substitute professional or medical advice.
ISSN 2562-1750 (Print)

ISSN 2562-1769 (Online)
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinions
  • Lifestyle
  • Events
  • Columnists
  • Videos
  • Advertise!
    • Online
    • In Print
    • Classifieds

© 2023 Reducing our footprint!   For every issue we print, we plant a tree!

You were not leaving your cart just like that, right?

Enter your details below to save your shopping cart for later. And, who knows, maybe we will even send you a sweet discount code :)

wpDiscuz
1
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x
| Reply
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.
Go to mobile version