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Lyme Disease Here In Leeds and Grenville
The incidence of Lyme Disease has now been established in Leeds
and Grenville. The blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, carries the disease,
which is caused by a bacteria. This summer four individuals were diagnosed with
the disease; all had been bitten by ticks while in the outdoors in this area.
Lyme disease can be successfully treated with antibiotics.
Steps can be taken to minimize your exposure to ticks. Wear light coloured, long
sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into your socks when walking in areas of
long grass or vegetation. Insect repellents containing DEET help to repel ticks.
As part of the Health Unit's disease surveillance program, we are facilitating
the identification of ticks that are removed from individuals. With the
cooperation of the Ontario Public Health Lab and the Laboratory Centre for
Disease Control (LCDC) in Winnipeg, we are able to have the ticks identified and
tested to see if they are carrying the bacteria for Lyme disease. Providing this
service to our community is one more way the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark
District Health Unit works with the community to enhance, promote and protect
health.
For Lyme disease facts, visit
http://www.healthunit.org/press_rel/2006_pressr
elease/oct2006/pr_oct30_lymediseasefacts.pdf (pdf format)
Teresa Clow, CPHI(C), Public Health Inspector |
This summer four individuals were diagnosed with the disease;
all had been bitten by ticks while in the outdoors in this area.
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Leeds,
Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit -
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