Lyme disease: How to protect yourself and what to do if you’re bitten by a tick

In Quebec’s Laurentians region, more than 30 cases of Lyme disease have already been detected – an increase compared to previous years, according to Noovo Info.

The same pattern has also been recorded in other regions of Quebec, with the province currently counting 835 cases of Lyme disease.

Dr. Aimé Kazadi, a specialist in public health and preventive medicine with the Laurentians Public Health Department, points out that there are a dozen species of ticks in Quebec.

He adds that only the black-legged tick can transmit Lyme disease.

“Not all black-legged ticks are infected when they bite people,” he explains. “Out of 100 tick bites, only one to three per cent will develop symptoms.”

To avoid being bitten by a tick, Kazadi recommends wearing long clothing and, when possible, tucking your pants into your socks.

He also advises people to avoid walking in tall grass.

In the event of a bite, Kazadi insists people must “do everything possible” to remove the tick within 24 hours, “because after 24 hours, the risks increase.”

To remove the tick, Kazadi says people should avoid using their fingers or nails.

Small tweezers, such as eyebrow tweezers, are preferable.

“Usually, tick bites are not painful, so you don’t notice them,” he said, adding that people must inspect their bodies after any trips to forested areas in order to stay safe.