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As warmer weather begins to arrive in Norfolk, tick season becomes a concern.
Ticks become active when the temperature reaches approximately 4 degrees. Ticks can carry and transmit the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease. Early symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash. If left untreated, Lyme disease can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system.
We spoke to Matthew Harrington, a Senior Public Health Inspector with the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit. He says: “It’s difficult to say whether the warmer winter and early spring-like weather we’ve had will make the tick season “worse” this year. We do know that more days above 4 degrees, means more days with active ticks and therefore more chances for people and pets to be exposed.”
To minimize the risks associated with ticks in the spring, it’s essential to take preventive measures such as wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent containing DEET, performing thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors and promptly removing any ticks found on the skin.
Please also note that the Health Unit no longer accepts ticks for identification or testing. They recommend people who are concerned about tick exposure contact their Healthcare Professional and bring the tick with them to the appointment.
More information about Lyme disease and Ticks can be found on the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit’s website.
Written by Jeremy Hall