SUDBURY -- In a June 9 media release, public health officials in Sudbury confirmed a tick has tested positive for the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts issued a reminder to ensure residents are taking precautions for themselves and those in their care.

Those precautions include:

  • avoid walking in tall grass and make sure yards are kept clear of debris and overgrown vegetation, grass, bushes, and trees
  • keep wood piles and bird feeders away from homes
  • wear a long-sleeved, light-coloured shirt, pants, and closed-toe shoes
  • use insect repellents that are federally regulated and contain DEET, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for their safe use
  • check your clothing, body, and pets for ticks and change your clothing upon returning home from the outdoors
  • take a shower to help wash off ticks that have not yet attached themselves to the skin

Residents are also reminded if that if a tick is found in the skin to remove it as soon as possible by using fine-tipped tweezers to grab the tick and gently pull straight up. After the tick is removed, wash the area with soap and water, put the tick in a dry container and bring it to your local health unit where it wil be sent for testing.

Public health officials also recommend following up with your health care provider to determine if you will need treatment, especially in cases where the tick has been embedded in the skin for more than 24 hours.

One of the typical signs of Lyme disease is a rash that looks like a bull’s eye: the bite area is surrounded by a round, red rash.

Other symptoms of the disease can include fever, headache, and muscle and joint pain.

If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause serious problems to the heart, joints, and nervous system. Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics.

For more information on Lyme disease and ticks, call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200) or visit www.phsd.ca.