News release

Nova Scotians Cautioned Against Blacklegged Ticks

Health and Wellness

As the weather continues to be unseasonably warm and Nova Scotians are enjoying woods and parks earlier this spring, it is important be aware and protect against bites from blacklegged ticks that can cause Lyme disease.

"With the days becoming longer and warmer, it's important for people to be mindful that when working or playing in grassy, shrubby and wooded areas that they prevent tick exposure, even though risk of contracting Lyme disease remains low," said Dr. Robert Strang. 'Ticks become active when air temperatures are consistently above 4C."

There are several easy ways to prevent or reduce contact with ticks:

  • wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants and socks so ticks are more visible, 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 and exposed skin with an insect repellant containing DEET
  • check clothing and exposed skin for ticks after working or playing outside in the bushes or tall grass and remove any ticks attached to the skin
  • when possible, take a bath or shower within two hours of coming indoors. This makes it easier to find ticks.
  • keep grass well cut to minimize suitable habitat for ticks on your property

"Tick checks are very important," said Dr. Strang. "Removing ticks as soon as possible can prevent or reduce the risk of infection, since blacklegged ticks can only transmit the bacterial infection after they have been attached to the skin for about 24 hours."

There are five known areas in Nova Scotia the Lyme disease bacteria is present in ticks. They include areas of Lunenburg, Shelburne, Pictou and Yarmouth counties and Halifax Regional Municipality.

"Regardless of where you live in Nova Scotia, it's important to remember that ticks are everywhere and to take precautions whenever working or playing outdoors," said Dr. Strang.

There are many kinds of ticks in Nova Scotia, but only blacklegged ticks carry the bacteria that can cause Lyme disease. Infected ticks can spread a bacterial infection through bites. If detected early, Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics. The earliest and most common symptom of Lyme disease is a bull's eye rash at the site of the bite. Other symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle aches and headaches.

If untreated, more serious illnesses can occur, including facial palsy (a weakening of facial muscles) and heart or chronic joint problems. These complications can also be treated with antibiotics.

There have been 120 confirmed and probable cases of Lyme disease in Nova Scotia since 2002.

For more information and a map of known areas, visit www.gov.ns.ca/dhw .