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 Health Unit - Lyme Disease

Teresa Clow, CPHI(C), Public Health Inspector

This summer (2006) four individuals were diagnosed with the disease; all had been bitten by ticks while in the outdoors in this area.