Many thanks to Matt Taggart for these facts: FACTS ON LYME DISEASE IN NIAGARA Some facts from Peter Jekel, manager environmental health, Niagara Region Public Health. To date this year, more than 450 ticks have been handed in to public health. Of those, 15 were the blacklegged variety, the type that can carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Of those, one tick tested positive for Lyme. It came from Welland and was found on a dog. Last year, there were 685 ticks handed in. There are more ticks found so far this year, likely due to the cooler spring. Ticks don’t like hot weather and tend to lay low. Ticks are carried by migratory birds, and can drop off anywhere. PROTECT YOURSELF FROM TICK BITES Dress in light coloured clothing to easily spot ticks Wear clothing that covers arms and legs when walking in wooded areas. Tuck in loose clothing and have your child wear shoes that cover the entire foot. Spray insect repellent that contains DEET on exposed skin and clothing. Always follow manufacturer’s instructions Check yourself and your child’s skin for ticks after outdoor activity. Pay special attention to areas such as the groin, scalp and armpits. Tick bites are usually painless, so you will likely not feel the tick. Cut your grass and dispose of leaf litter where ticks can live.
Posted on: Thu, 13 Jun 2013 23:33:09 +0000
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