Ticks Established in Pictou County

Ticks collected from areas in Pictou County have been identified as blacklegged ticks, the type capable of carrying and transmitting Lyme disease.

The ticks were found as part of an ongoing surveillance program by the departments of Natural Resources and Health Promotion and Protection, in conjunction with the Public Health Agency of Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory.

"Blacklegged ticks exist across the province, but the risk of Lyme disease is quite low in most areas," said Dr. Maureen Baikie, deputy chief medical officer of health for Nova Scotia. "We have to recognize that ticks are here to stay, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't enjoy the outdoors this summer. It's important that residents are aware and take precautions when working, playing or hiking in grassy or wooded areas."

Pictou County, specifically the areas around Melmerby Beach, Egerton, Kings Head and Pine Tree, is the fourth area in Nova Scotia where blacklegged ticks are known to be well established. Powell's Point and Thorburn are also areas of concern and will be monitored closely.

Other established areas in Nova Scotia include Lunenburg County (the areas surrounding Blue Rocks, Garden Lots, Heckmans Island and First Peninsula), Halifax County (Admirals Cove in Bedford) and Shelburne County (Gunning Cove).

"We will continue to monitor the tick populations in Pictou County, and around the province, by actively surveying specific areas, to ensure the safety of Nova Scotians," said Jeff Ogden field entomologist with the Department of Natural Resources.

Pictou County Health Authority will lead a public awareness campaign to ensure residents and visitors are aware of the precautions they should take to prevent or reduce contact with blacklegged ticks and the infection they can cause.

"Public health services will work closely with government, local officials, doctors and community partners to ensure Pictou residents and visitors receive current information about Lyme disease and protective measures they can take," said Mark Scott, director of public health services for Pictou County Health Authority.

The following precautions are recommended when spending time outdoors, especially in areas where ticks are known to be established:

• wear a light-coloured, long-sleeved shirt and pants so ticks are more visible, light-coloured socks and enclosed shoes while working or playing outside or hiking in the woods
• pull socks up over pant legs and tuck in shirts
• spray clothing with an insect repellant containing DEET
• check clothing and exposed skin for ticks after working or playing outside or in the woods. DEET should not be applied to pets. However, pets should be checked for ticks
• keep grass well cut on properties to minimize suitable habitat for ticks.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by blacklegged ticks. However, an infected tick can only transmit Lyme disease once it has attached itself to the skin for about 24 hours. Lyme disease causes a bull's-eye rash and symptoms including fever, fatigue, muscle aches and headaches.

More serious symptoms, such as facial palsy, heart problems or chronic joint problems, may also develop in people who are not treated. Lyme disease is treatable with antibiotics. There have been 50 cases of Lyme disease in the province since 2002, 39 of these were acquired in Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia has had an active Lyme disease program since 2002 with experts from a number of disciplines. In addition to regular surveillance for blacklegged ticks, the province provides Nova Scotians with information about prevention and protection from tick bites and works to ensure health-care providers have the most up-to-date information each year.

Images of the blacklegged tick, instructions on removing ticks and general information on Lyme disease is available on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/hpp/cdpc/lyme.asp .