Let's target lyme! Protect yourself from ticks
Lyme disease is a potentially serious infection that comes from being bitten by an infected blacklegged tick, commonly known as a deer tick. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, and an expanding circular rash that resembles a bulls-eye. Ticks commonly live in wooded areas, tall grasses, andbushes and can be found almost anywhere in Ontario, including city gardens and parks.
You can protect yourself from tick bites by:
- wearing light-coloured clothing, so it’s easier to spot ticks
- wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants tucked into your socks, and closed-toed shoes
- using an insect repellent with DEET or icaridin in it
- checking yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks after being outdoors. Any ticks found should be removed promptly
- putting clothes on high heat in a dryer for at least 10 minutes before washing clothing after spending time outdoors
For more information, contact Lambton Public Health at 1-800-667-1839
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