Quebec urges caution regarding tick, mosquito bites

With warmer, wetter weather settling in, Quebec public health officials are urging residents to take precautions against ticks and mosquitoes.

As summer begins, Quebec’s Ministry of Health and Social Services is urging caution regarding tick and mosquito bites, which can transmit several diseases and viruses.

Tick and mosquito populations are on the rise in several regions due to climate change, and the milder climate allows them to survive and thrive more easily.

Quebec is reminding residents that ticks can transmit Lyme disease. Mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus, and California Serogroup viruses, among others.

The ministry notes that there are simple precautions people can take to protect themselves, such as using a DEET or icaridin-based mosquito repellent and wearing light-coloured, lightweight clothing.

To protect yourself more specifically from ticks, prioritize walking on trails and avoid tall grass.

If a tick attaches itself to your skin, remove it carefully, ideally within 24 hours.

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in Quebec.

As is the case elsewhere in the country, the numbers have increased significantly in recent years.

In 2023, 2022, and 2021, there were 652, 586, and 709 cases, respectively.

In comparison, there were 125 cases in 2014, 160 in 2015, and 177 in 2016.

Lyme disease is transmitted by a tick bite carrying bacteria.

It can also affect animals.

In humans, the most common symptom of the disease is a red rash on the skin.

Many people experience fatigue, fever, and body aches, but if the disease is not detected and treated quickly, the bacteria can spread through the bloodstream and cause other, more dire symptoms.

If you suspect you may have been infected, Quebec recommends calling Info-Santé at 811.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on June 20, 2025.