Public health officials in Northumberland County are warning residents to be on the look out for blacklegged ticks that can spread Lyme disease.
Officials say the incidence of Lyme disease is a growing problem in Northumberland County.
Last year 17 blacklegged ticks collected by the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge health unit were found to be positive for the bacteria that causes the illness, the largest number in the area over the past five years.
In 2015, the Health Unit also reported three confirmed and five probable human cases of Lyme disease in its area, which includes Northumberland County.
Residents are advised to check for ticks after being in fields or wooded areas.
“Recent findings show Lyme disease is on the rise in this area, so it’s important to know the symptoms of Lyme, avoid ticks that can spread illness, and know what to do if bitten,” says Richard Ovcharovich, Manager of Environmental Health with the health unit.
While Lyme disease is a serious illness that can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, tiredness, muscle and joint pains and skin rashes, it can be successfully treated with antibiotics. That is why the Health Unit urges people who suspect they have symptoms of Lyme disease to seek medical attention.
To help local residents reduce their risk of Lyme disease, the Health Unit is advising them to watch out for blacklegged ticks that can spread illness. Since ticks are tiny and cannot fly, they act like ‘hitchhikers’ settling on tall grasses and bushes until they can attach themselves to a passing person or animal. Once attached, ticks will feed on a host’s blood.
“Ticks are more likely to spread infection to a person if they’ve fed for more than 24 hours,” Ovcharovich explains. “If you’ve been outdoors, check your entire body for ticks and promptly remove any that you find.”
