Spike in tick sightings in certain parts of Winnipeg: entomologist
As the summer season begins, Manitobans are being warned about the dangers of ticks.
According to entomologist Taz Stuart, more ticks are being spotted in parts of Winnipeg.
“For us personally, we deal with people’s backyards and we’re seeing increased numbers in certain areas of the city,” Stuart says.
“So when people go out, it’s important to be protecting yourself.”
Manitoba has been seeing an increase in tick-borne diseases over the past few years, with cases of Lyme disease more than doubling over five years.
Stuart notes Manitobans are at risk of being bitten by a tick right across southern Manitoba.
“When I first moved here in 2004, black-legged were in the southeast corner of Manitoba,” Stuart says.
“If you go online, you can see the spread of black-legged ticks across southern Manitoba and even into northern Manitoba.”
The province says that the black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick, is one of the ticks responsible for spreading tick-borne diseases.
Stuart notes that Manitobans need to be checking themselves for ticks, and getting the proper testing if they do find one.
“You don’t want to get Lyme disease or any tick-borne disease,” Stuart says.
Anyone who spots or is bitten by a tick in Manitoba can use the eTick program, which provides people with quick and accurate access to tick identification.
To use the program, Manitobans can upload a picture of the tick online or through an app, and then answer a few questions about where and when they found the tick. From there, a provincial expert will identify the species of the tick and email the person to let them know if there is any medical relevance to the species and what they should do next.
Stuart says some ways people can lessen their risk is by wearing light-coloured clothing and using a repellant.
Stuarts adds that if someone goes for a walk or hike or spends time outside, they should keep off grassy areas or places where there is a tree line or edge.
- With files from CTV’s Maralee Caruso.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.