Public Health officials report climate change is leading to more instances of diseases from blood-feeding pests like mosquitoes and ticks.
Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public health said the population of ticks that cause Lyme disease is steadily increasing thanks to rising temperatures and longer summers. Once thought to only be a concern in highly grassy and forested areas, it is common to find ticks much closer to home, including residential lawns, gardens, community parks, and walking trails.
Huron Perth Public Health Inspector Keshia Hackett said, "if you find a tick on yourself, or a family member, you want to us fine tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible. Then you're going to pull the tick straight out, gently but firmly. No twisting is needed. Then you're gonna wash your skin with soap and water, and disinfect your skin and your hands with rubbing alcohol."
Hackett explained what the symptoms of Lyme disease look like.
"A bullseye rash, fever, chills, headache, stiff neck, muscle aches and joint pain, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, spasms, numbness or tingling, and facial paralisis," she said.
"Speak with your health care provided if you have been bit by a black legged tick and are concerned about Lyme disease," she added.
