A blacklegged tick found in the Sudbury area has tested positive for the bacteria that can cause Lyme disease.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts said in a release Tuesday this is the first positive tick reported in its service area for 2020.
The health unit said it’s important that everyone takes precautions to protect themselves and those in their care. For example:
– avoid walking in tall grass and make sure yards are kept clear of debris and overgrown vegetation, grass, bushes, and trees;
– keep wood piles and bird feeders away from homes;
– wear a long-sleeved, light-coloured shirt, pants, and closed-toe shoes;
– use insect repellents that are federally regulated and contain DEET, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for their safe use;
– check your clothing, body, and pets for ticks and change your clothing upon returning home from the outdoors;
– take a shower to help wash off ticks that have not yet attached themselves to the skin,
If a tick is found embedded in the skin, use tweezers to remove it as soon as possible. To do that, you should:
– Use fine-tipped tweezers to grab the tick close to the skin and gently pull straight up.
– Wash the area with soap and water.
– Put the tick in a dry container and bring it to your local public health unit to be sent for identification and testing for Lyme disease.
– Follow up with your health care provider to determine if you need treatment, especially if the tick has been attached for more than 24 hours.
“One of the typical signs of Lyme disease is a rash that looks like a bull’s eye: the bite area is surrounded by a round, red rash,” Public Health said. “Other symptoms of the disease can include fever, headache, and muscle and joint pain.
“If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause serious problems to the heart, joints, and nervous system. Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics.”
For more information, call Public Health Sudbury and Districts at 705-522-9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1-866-522-9200) or visit www.phsd.ca.
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