The presence of ticks is increasing sharply in the region

The presence of ticks and the risk of contracting Lyme disease has increased significantly in the region. While ticks were mainly found in the Drummond RCM and Odanak three years ago, they are now well established in Centre-du-Québec and along the entire riverbank in Mauricie.

This means that several municipalities in the region are now considered endemic, i.e. places where the risk of contracting Lyme disease is increased.

“We expected things to progress significantly here, particularly due to climate change. Faced with this situation, it is important to have the right protective reflexes,” says Dr. Caroline Marcoux-Huard, medical consultant at the Regional Directorate of Public Health for Mauricie and Center-du-Québec.

“As for health professionals, who have been informed of the progression of ticks, Lyme disease could now be part of the differential diagnosis to be considered. We also raise awareness among the population and our partners, such as day camps, daycares, municipalities and people who work outside,” she adds.

In its early stages, Lyme disease causes a red, enlarging rash. This may last for several days and be accompanied by malaise, fatigue or fever.

“When the person is taken care of, antibiotics prove effective. But when this is not the case, the disease can progress to a disseminating stage. This can then cause joint pain. The pain can also move from one joint to another. In certain cases, it can affect the nervous and cardiac systems,” indicates Dr. Marcoux-Huard.

There has been a dramatic increase in cases of Lyme disease in recent years in Quebec, particularly in Estrie and Montérégie. In Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec, just under 20 cases were reported last year.

It should be noted that even outside the endemic zone, the presence of ticks I. scapularis and human cases of Lyme disease remains possible due to the possible presence of infected ticks carried by migratory birds.

“We must consider that the risk is present throughout Quebec. The tick infected with bacteria has a life cycle of three stages. The tick attaches to different animals, such as white-footed mice, white-tailed deer and birds. The risk is present everywhere, but if a municipality is identified as endemic, it is because ticks are well established there,” explains Dr. Marcoux-Huard.

Better to prevent

It is possible to apply certain prevention tips to avoid tick bites.

During outdoor activities, it is recommended to wear long, light-colored clothing, which makes it easier to spot the presence of a tick on clothing, as well as to apply mosquito repellent containing DEET or icaridin. .

The Public Health Department recommends that people walk in the center of trails or cleared paths and avoid walking in tall grass or dead leaves, since the tick does not jump: it clings.

“Ticks like to be in dead leaves. This allows them to survive the winter. With our winters tending to be less cold, conditions are better for their survival. We’re not saying to stop children from playing in fallen leaves in the fall, but it’s worth examining them after the activity for the presence of ticks on their bodies. It is recommended to do it after an outdoor activity in general,” notes Dr. Marcoux-Huard.

Ticks particularly like warm, moist places like the scalp, behind the ears, groin, and behind the knees.

After outdoor activity, outdoor equipment should be checked to prevent accidental introduction of ticks into the home and ideally put clothing in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes

In case of sting

If you get bitten by a tick, remove it as soon as possible using a tick remover or fine tweezers, such as eyebrow tweezers. Grasp the tick with tweezers as close to the skin as possible. It is important not to squeeze the tick’s abdomen, as this increases the risk of transmitting the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

Pull the tick gently but firmly and continuously, without twisting or crushing it, to allow the entire tick to be removed without breaking it. If the tick head remains embedded in the skin, you can then gently remove it with the tweezers.

After removing the tick, clean your skin with soap and water and wash your hands.

Pharmacies located in the endemic area have preventive treatment (post-exposure prophylaxis) which can be offered to people who have been bitten in the targeted areas.

“You should consult your pharmacist. A person may be eligible for treatment if the tick has been attached to the body for 24 hours or more, if it has been removed less than 72 hours ago and if the person has no contraindications to receiving the antibiotic. Pharmacists can administer the treatment without a prescription,” concludes Dr. Marcoux-Huard.

For more information: ciusssmcq.ca/ete.