Nova Scotians Cautioned About Ticks, Lyme Disease

As Nova Scotians enjoy the woods and parks this spring, it is important to take precautions against bites of blacklegged (deer) ticks that can cause Lyme disease.

Infected ticks can spread the bacterial infection through bites. The earliest and most common symptom of Lyme disease is a bull's-eye rash at the site of the bite. Other symptoms such as fever, fatigue, muscle aches and headaches may occur.

If detected early, Lyme disease can be cured with antibiotics.

If untreated, although not common, the disease can lead to more serious illnesses such as facial palsy (a weakening of facial muscles) and heart or chronic joint problems. These complications can also be cured with antibiotics.

"The risk of Lyme disease is low in most areas of Nova Scotia and poses a similar risk to other regions of Canada," said Medical Officer of Health Richard Gould. "But it is still important to take appropriate precautions, particularly along the South Shore, in the Lunenburg area, and the area around Admiral's Cove Park in Bedford, where we know there are ticks established which carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease."

There have been 12 confirmed cases of Lyme disease in Nova Scotia since 2002.

Blacklegged ticks can also carry bacteria that can cause Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis (HGA). The infection usually causes symptoms similar to influenza and sometimes disappears without treatment.

However, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems may develop more serious illnesses and should see their doctor if the symptoms persist. HGA can be treated and cured with antibiotics. There have been no reported cases of HGA in Nova Scotia.

Dr. Gould said people should enjoy the outdoors, but should take the following precautions, especially in areas where blacklegged ticks and Lyme disease are known to be established:

• wear light-coloured long-sleeved shirts and pants (so ticks are more visible), light-coloured socks and enclosed shoes while working or playing outside or hiking in the woods;
• pull socks up over pant legs and tuck in shirts;
• spray clothing and exposed skin with an insect repellant containing DEET;
• check clothing and exposed skin for ticks after working or playing outside or in the woods and remove any ticks attached to the skin;
• DEET should not be applied to pets, however, pets should be checked for ticks regularly in areas where blacklegged ticks and Lyme disease are known to be established;
• keep grass well cut to minimize suitable habitat for ticks on your property.

Tick checks are important. Blacklegged ticks can only transmit the bacterial infection after they have been attached to the skin for about 24 hours. Removing ticks as soon as possible can prevent or reduce the risk of infection.

There are many kinds of ticks in Nova Scotia, but only blacklegged ticks carry the bacteria that can cause Lyme disease. Blacklegged ticks are brown to reddish orange, lack white markings on their backs and are much smaller than dog ticks.

Images of the blacklegged tick, instructions on removing ticks and general information on Lyme disease are available at www.gov.ns.ca/hpp .

People are urged to send ticks that they find on themselves or pets to the Museum of Natural History in Halifax, or drop them off at a local Department of Natural Resources office. The ticks should be placed in an empty pill bottle and labeled with the date and location where they were found.