Lyme disease bacteria found in ticks in Waterloo Region

The blacklegged tick, I. pacificus, depicted here, is a known vector for the zoonotic spirochetal bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which is the pathogen responsible for causing Lyme disease. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Public health officials say blacklegged ticks found in Waterloo Region have tested positive for the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

A notice, posted on Tuesday, advised residents to take precautions when they spend time outdoors, especially in forests and tall grassy areas.

Blacklegged ticks, also called deer ticks, are known to transmit bacteria when they latch onto a host to feed off their blood.

The signs of Lyme disease vary from person to person. Most get a circular rash around the bite, followed by flu-like symptoms. Some can also continue to experience symptoms long-term.

“Simple ways to help reduce your risk of tick bites are to stay on trails, wear protective clothing, and use insect repellent with DEET or Icaridin,” said Dr. Megan Davis, a medical resident with Region of Waterloo Public Health. “Check yourself, children and pets after being outdoors. Removing ticks without delay can help reduce the risk of tick-borne diseases. An infected tick needs to be attached to a person for at least 24 hours to transmit Lyme disease.”

How to remove ticks

Anyone bitten by a blacklegged tick or any tick they cannot identify, and are feeling unwell, should contact their health care provider or family doctor.

Public health said symptoms can show up three days to one month after an infected tick bite.

They shared these tips for removing the arachnids:

• Use fine-pointed tweezers to grab the tick’s head and mouth as close to your skin as possible.
• Pull slowly.
• Do not twist or rotate and try not to damage it.
• Place the tick in a small, sealed bag or a container with a lid.
• Thoroughly wash the area with soap and water.

Public health also suggested watching this how-to video from Health Canada.

Tracking ticks

People can also submit a photo to eTick.ca or through the eTick app, so experts can identify the type of tick. The free service also has a map showing areas where ticks have been reported across Canada.