Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec, June 27, 2024 – While the summer season is in full swing, new data from the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec reveals an increase in the presence of ticks and the risk of contracting Lyme disease throughout Quebec, including in Mauricie and the Center -of Quebec.
Several new municipalities in the region are now considered endemic, i.e. places where the risk of contracting Lyme disease is increased.
The list of endemic municipalities can be found here.
To find out more, consult the INSPQ map.
The Public Health Department of the Integrated University Health and Social Services Center of Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec recalls the main prevention advice regarding tick bites:
- During outdoor activities, wear long, light-colored clothing;
- Apply mosquito repellent containing DEET or icaridin;
- Walk in the center of trails or cleared trails;
- Avoid walking in tall grass or dead leaves;
- After outdoor activity, examine yourself for the presence of ticks on the body;
- Check outdoor gear to prevent accidental introduction of ticks into the home and put clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes.
If you are bitten by a tick, remove it as soon as possible using the appropriate method. Then, call Info-Santé 811; the nurse will tell you if you need to see a health professional. Preventive treatment (postexposure prophylaxis) can be offered to people who have been bitten in targeted geographic areas and who meet the determined criteria.
For more information, visit ciusssmcq.ca/summer.
Source :
Press relations department
CIUSSS MCQ
1 888 862-4382
[email protected]
