Manitoba has seen an increase in Lyme disease in recent years with 16 confirmed or probable cases in 2012, up from five in 2009.
Kateryn Rochon, an entomologist at the University of Manitoba, said over the last six years blacklegged ticks have been settling in more areas of the province.
“They’re expanding a little bit so the conditions are good in certain areas for them,” she said.
Blacklegged ticks, also commonly known as deer ticks, can carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.
Aileen Stoesz said Lyme disease has taken a toll on her body for 26 years.
It all started with a bug bite.
“I was camping and had a tick in my ear,” she said.
Lyme disease can be cured if it’s caught early.
In Stoesz’s case, it was misdiagnosed at first.
“It causes so many horrible, horrible problems,” she said. "As the years have gone on, the pain spreads. I have it in my legs and my arms and my hands."
Early signs include a headache, flu-like symptoms or swollen lymph nodes. The majority of people infected will develop a bull’s-eye-type rash.
“You shouldn’t be worried but you should be aware and remember prevention is the best line of defence,” said Dr. Richard Baydack from Manitoba Health.
Prevention measures include:
- Applying proper repellant
- Sticking to trails and away from trees
- Wearing light-coloured, long-sleeve clothing so you can better see the ticks
- Inspecting yourself, children and pets after coming in from outdoors
Experts say that of the blacklegged ticks reported every year, about 10 per cent of them actually carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.
Blacklegged tick season last from now through the fall.
- with a report from Jeff Keele
