Huron County, ON – The good weather is still here, and the Huron County Health Unit reminds the public that ticks may still be active.
“We typically associate ticks with the warmer summer months because that is when they are most active,” Public Health Inspector Keshia Hackett explains. “However, ticks may still be active during the fall and winter months, especially if it is mild with little snow.”
Infected blacklegged ticks can spread Lyme disease to humans through their bite. Ticks are usually found low to the ground, on shrubs, tall grasses or in leaf litter.
If you are spending time outdoors hiking to enjoy the beautiful fall colours, protect yourself against tick bites:
- Wear light-coloured clothing. It makes ticks easier to spot.
- Wear closed footwear and socks, a long-sleeved shirt and long pants. Tuck your pants into your socks.
- Use a tick repellent that has been approved by Health Canada, and follow the manufacturer’s directions.
- Search your body for ticks if you have been in an area where you might get bitten by ticks. Pay special attention to the scalp, groin and armpits. You can also take a shower or bath to wash away any loose ticks within two hours of being in wooded areas.
If you find a tick on your body, remove it with tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible. Pull it straight out, gently but firmly. Save the tick in a jar or screw-top bottle if you can and bring it to the Huron County Health Unit, where it will be submitted for identification and testing if warranted.
If you have been in an area known to contain blacklegged ticks or have been bitten by a tick, watch for the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle and joint pains
- Fatigue
- An expanding red rash that may resemble a bull’s eye
If you have any of these symptoms, let your healthcare provider know immediately. For more information visit huronhealthunit.ca.
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Our media contact is: Sharon Brown, Executive Assistant, Huron County Health Unit, 519.482.3416 or toll-free 1.877.837.6143 ext. 2224 or sbrown@huroncounty.ca.
Our spokesperson is: Keshia Hackett, Public Health Inspector. Our media contact will connect you to our spokesperson on this topic.