The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) is reminding residents to remain vigilant for blacklegged ticks as two Powassan disease-positive ticks were recently detected in its territory. This result is a reminder that ticks are active well into the fall. To date, there have been no cases of Powassan disease in humans in the region.
In addition to Powassan virus, ticks can spread many other diseases such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and babesiosis. Although most cases of Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis can be successfully treated with medication, there is currently no treatment for the virus that causes Powassan disease.
Although it is rare to develop Powassan disease from tick bites, the illness can be serious for some. Most people who become infected have no symptoms or they are very mild and resemble the flu. However, symptoms may include fever, seizures, vomiting, weakness, confusion, headache and memory loss. In some individuals, Powassan disease can cause serious problems such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord).
“There is currently no known treatment for Powassan disease,” says Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, EOHU Medical Officer of Health. “As with Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses that are increasing in Ontario, it is very important to take precautions to protect yourself from tick bites. I encourage everyone to visit www.bseo.ca/tics to learn about protective measures for yourself and your loved ones. »
Take the following steps to prevent tick bites when outdoors:
- Wear light-colored clothing. Ticks are easier to see.
- Wear closed-toe shoes, socks, a long-sleeved shirt or sweater, and long pants. Tuck your sweater into your pants and your pants into your socks.
- Use an insect repellent that contains DEET or Icaridin on clothing and exposed skin (be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions).
- Walk in the center of trails or clear paths.
- Be careful to keep children and pets off the trail.
- Check your clothes and body for ticks when returning from outside, especially if you were in an area of tall grass or bushes where ticks have been recorded. Pay attention to the groin, navel, underarms, scalp and behind the ears and knees.
- Get in the shower as soon as possible by entering from outside to find and wash off any ticks on you that have not yet attached.
- Ticks like humid environments. Before washing clothes from the outside, put them in the dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill any ticks that may be there.
Despite precautions, it is still possible to be bitten by a tick. Residents should contact their doctor or pharmacist if they find a tick attached to their skin for at least 24 hours, or if they develop flu-like symptoms or an unusual rash in the days or weeks after a tick bite. tick.
Ticks are most active in spring and summer, but can be found any time of year when the temperature is above freezing, usually in forests, tall grass and bushes in rural and urban areas . There are steps you can take to discourage ticks around your home and to keep ticks away from you, your family and your pets.
To learn more about how to protect yourself and your loved ones from diseases spread by ticks and what to do if you have been bitten by a tick, go to www.bseo.ca/tics.
