Protect Yourself from Lyme Disease This Summer
Hastings & Prince Edward Public Health recently shared important information about ticks, particularly the prevalence of blacklegged ticks in the region. These ticks are known to spread Lyme disease through bites, although not all of them are carriers of the disease-causing bacterium. Blacklegged ticks thrive in wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter, preferring cool and damp environments to avoid drying out.
When spending time outdoors this summer, it is crucial to take precautions to safeguard yourself and your loved ones. Here are some recommended steps: use bug spray containing DEET or Icaridin, wear closed-toe shoes, long sleeves, and pants, tuck your shirt into your pants and pants into your socks, stick to paths, conduct a daily full-body tick check on yourself, your children, pets, and gear, shower with warm water within two hours of outdoor activities, and dry your clothes on high heat for at least 10 minutes.
If you are bitten by a tick, follow these guidelines: use fine-tipped tweezers to remove the tick immediately, cleanse the bite area thoroughly with soap, water, or sanitizer, and consult a healthcare professional if the tick was attached for more than 24 hours. Keep an eye out for symptoms if the attachment time was less than 24 hours, and seek medical advice if any concerns arise.
For more detailed information on tick prevention and Lyme disease, visit the Public Health website at www.hpepublichealth.ca. Stay informed and stay safe!
