Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD) reports an adult in the area has tested positive for Lyme disease.
PHSD said it is believed the disease was most likely acquired in the Manitoulin district.
"Although reports of locally acquired Lyme disease remain uncommon, people need to protect themselves when enjoying the outdoors," said a statement from PHSD.
The health unit said although the blacklegged ticks that transmit the disease have previous been found in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts, such ticks are commonly found in rural areas along the north shores of Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, and the St. Lawrence River, as well as in the Rainy River area of northwestern Ontario.
PHSD said people need to be proactive and preventive when spending time out in nature.
“People enjoying the outdoors need to check for ticks immediately after activities like gardening or hiking. This is one of the simplest ways you can protect yourself from Lyme disease,” said Ashley DeRocchis, a PHSD environmental support officer.
The ticks that carry Lyme disease do not jump or fly. They wait on grass and bushes for animals or people to brush against the vegetation and then attach themselves.
Ticks will bite into the skin and engorge themselves with blood. Ticks vary in size and colour and can be hard to see until they are full of blood.
PHSD said the best action is to avoid a tick bite in the first place
The health unit advises several steps to avoid contact:
- Avoid walking in tall grass.
- 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 approved by Health Canada and follow the application recommendations on the package.
- Do a tick check.
- Take a shower after outdoor activities to help wash off ticks that have not yet attached themselves to the skin.
If you find a tick attached to a person, PHSD advises using 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. Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics.
If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause serious complications to the heart, joints, and nervous system.
