As people spend more time outdoors, the Huron County Health Unit wants to remind the public to protect themselves against tick and mosquito bites.
“With the warm weather here, ticks and mosquitoes are more active,” says public health inspector Keshia Hackett. “Our mosquito and tick surveillance programs are underway at the Huron County Health Unit”.
Our West Nile virus mosquito trapping program will commence mid-June. West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The easiest way to prevent infection is to prevent mosquito bites, especially during dawn and dusk when many mosquito species are most active.
The Huron County Health Unit has submitted multiple ticks this year for identification. One tick was identified as a blacklegged tick that tested negative for the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Lyme disease is spread through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick. A tick must be attached and feeding for at least 24 hours before the tick will start to transmit the bacteria, so early detection and removal is important.
While outdoors enjoying the beautiful weather, there are some precautions to take to prevent tick and mosquito bites:
• Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and closed-toed shoes.
• Use an insect repellent approved by Health Canada, and always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Conduct head-to-toe tick checks. If you find a tick on you, remove it using tweezers, grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight out slowly but firmly. Place the tick in a container and bring it to your healthcare provider or the Huron County Health Unit for identification and testing if needed
For more information on West Nile virus and Lyme disease and ways to protect yourself, visitwww.huronhealthunit.ca.