Audio recording notes from HSCI lecture 4A: Lyme Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Management

Blacklegged Ticks and Lyme Disease

Introduction to Blacklegged Ticks

Many individuals spend time outdoors engaging in activities such as hiking, camping, walking, or working. It is crucial to be aware of blacklegged ticks due to the potential health risks they pose. These ticks are often as tiny as a poppy seed, making them almost invisible to the human eye. They primarily inhabit forests and wooded areas but can also be found in shrubs, tall grass, and even in piles of leaves. Ticks require blood to survive and, therefore, attach themselves to humans or animals to feed.

Understanding Lyme Disease

Some blacklegged ticks carry bacteria that cause Lyme disease. When an infected tick bites a person, it can transmit these bacteria, leading to the disease. In certain regions of Canada, there has been a noticeable increase in reported cases of Lyme disease.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Lyme disease presents with a range of symptoms that can progress if left untreated:

  • Early Symptoms: These typically include a skin rash, fever, joint pain, and headaches.

  • More Severe Health Issues (if untreated): If Lyme disease is not treated in its initial stages, it can lead to more serious conditions such as arthritis, an abnormal heartbeat, and various nervous system disorders. These nervous system issues can manifest as dizziness, inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, and numbness or tingling sensations in the hands or feet.

Prevention of Tick Bites

To continue enjoying outdoor activities while protecting yourself and your family from tick bites and Lyme disease, consider the following precautions:

  • Appropriate Clothing: Wear closed-toed shoes and light-colored long-sleeve shirts and pants to cover exposed skin. Light colors make it easier to spot ticks.

  • Insect Repellents: Use insect repellents that contain DEET or Icaridin (also known as Picaridin).

Actions After Outdoor Exposure

Upon returning indoors after spending time in areas where ticks may be present, perform these steps:

  • Full Body Check: Conduct a thorough full-body check for ticks on yourself and all family members.

  • Showering: Shower within two hours of coming indoors. This helps wash off any ticks that may not have attached yet.

Tick Removal and Medical Advice

  • Immediate Removal: If you find an attached tick, remove it immediately using tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure.

  • Tick Storage: Carefully store the removed tick in a sealed container and bring it to your doctor. This can be beneficial for diagnosis.

  • Seek Medical Attention: If you develop any symptoms of Lyme disease, see your doctor right away.

By diligently following these preventative measures and post-exposure actions, individuals can safeguard themselves from Lyme disease while still enjoying the outdoors. For comprehensive information on prevention, tick removal techniques, treatment options, and identifies risk areas, visit canada.ca/lymedisease. This information is provided as a public service message from the Government of Canada.