According to data compiled by the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec (INSPQ), the number of municipalities in endemic zones increased from 117 in 2023 to 461 this year. As of June 22, there were already 103 new cases of this disease in Quebec. In 2023, 652 cases were reported. Note that Estrie is the most affected: half of the cases reported last year were in this region.
From now on, Center-du-Québec is almost entirely in an endemic zone. Only eight municipalities in the MRC de l’Érable and two in the MRC d’Arthabaska are not affected. The tick responsible for the disease also crossed the St. Lawrence River to settle in Mauricie.
Trois-Rivières, the entire MRC of Chenaux and part of that of Maskinongé (Saint-Justin, Maskinongé, Louiseville, Yamachiche, Saint-Barnabé and Saint-Étienne-des-Grès) are now considered endemic zones.
“Previously, only the MRC of Drummond and Odanak were identified as endemic. Now this territory is much bigger. The tick crossed the river. On the other hand, we see that the risk is present everywhere in Quebec, because the tick travels on animals. It can travel great distances, especially when it clings to birds,” warns Dr. Caroline Marcoux-Huard, medical consultant at the Public Health Department of the CIUSSS de la Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec .
Almost all municipalities in Centre-du-Québec are now in endemic zones. (INSPQ)
It is also a safe bet that the tick carrying Lyme disease will continue to establish itself in the rest of the region.
“Climate change has a lot to do with it. The climate is becoming more clement for ticks to establish themselves and survive. It doesn’t take much for them to survive: a small nest of autumn leaves is enough,” explains Dr. Marcoux-Huard.
The list of municipalities in endemic zones can be found on the INSPQ website.
Prevention
The regional public health department therefore invites the population to take certain precautions to avoid tick bites. We recommend, during outdoor activities, to wear long, light-colored clothing (ticks that could cling to them will be more visible), to use mosquito repellent and to walk in the center of the trails or trails. cleared. It is best to avoid walking through tall grass or dead leaves.
“After the activity, you must do an inspection of your body, the body of your child and even your pet. The tick likes moist areas such as the scalp, behind the ears, armpits, groins and behind the knees.
— Dr. Caroline Marcoux Huard
It’s also recommended to check outdoor gear to prevent ticks from getting inside and to put used clothing in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes.
“On your own land, we recommend putting a distance between the modules and the cedars or shrubs at the edge of the land, to reduce contact with possible ticks. Also, maintain your land to prevent rodents from coming there,” adds Dr. Marcoux-Huard.
Treatments at all stages
The first symptoms of Lyme disease, which can appear in the month following a tick bite, are a redness which increases over time, generally exceeding 5 cm, fever and muscle or joint pain.
When the disease is left untreated, arthritis, facial paralysis, heart rhythm disturbances and other multiple skin redness may appear.
Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics and there are treatments for all stages of the disease, but some damage may be permanent.
In the event of a bite, it is recommended to call 811. The healthcare professional on the other end of the line will assess the condition of the bite with the patient and the latter could be redirected to a pharmacist for preventive treatment if eligible.
If the person already has symptoms when they notice a tick bite, they should see a doctor.
Let’s also remember that we must do it the right way to limit the risk of transmitting Lyme disease when we remove a tick that has bitten us. You can see this method on the CIUSSS MCQ website
