Lyme disease is transmitted by blacklegged ticks, often called deer ticks. Manitobans should take steps to prevent bites by:
- applying appropriate tick repellent on exposed skin and clothing, following label directions;
- wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts;
- tucking in clothing to create a barrier;
- staying to the centre of walking trails;
- inspecting yourself, children and pets after spending time outdoors;
- removing ticks as soon as possible from people and pets using tweezers; and
- keeping grass and shrubs around homes cut short to create drier environments that are less suitable for tick survival.
Blacklegged ticks can be found any time there is no snow on the ground. Due to the health risk they pose, it is important to distinguish between blacklegged ticks and the more common wood tick. Manitobans who find a tick can submit a picture to have it identified by experts to confirm whether it belongs to a species capable of transmitting disease. For more information or to submit a picture of a tick, visit www.etick.ca.
Public health officials recommend visiting a health-care provider within 72 hours of removing a tick to receive preventive treatment for Lyme disease if:
- the bite was from a reliably identified blacklegged tick; and
- the tick was attached for 36 hours or more, or was engorged (filled with blood).
To learn more about tick-borne disease, prevention and treatment, click here.
Throughout the summer, Manitobans should also take precautions against WNV, a mosquito-borne virus that can cause severe illness including encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and can sometimes result in long-term complications or death. Infection can occur from a single bite by an infected mosquito.
Dry conditions earlier this spring slowed mosquito larvae development; however, recent rainfall in most of the province, combined with warmer temperatures, will result in higher numbers of mosquitoes. Culex tarsalis mosquito activity is currently low and the risk of WNV exposure is minimal, but this will increase as Manitoba enters the historically high-risk period in July and August.
Manitobans are encouraged to enjoy outdoor activities while reducing the risk of mosquito bites and exposure to WNV by:
- reducing time spent outdoors during peak mosquito hours between dusk and dawn;
- using appropriate mosquito repellent;
- wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves and pant legs; and
- ensuring door and window screens fit tightly and are free of holes.
Manitobans can also reduce the number of mosquitoes around their home by taking these steps to reduce standing water:
- cleaning eavestroughs and regularly emptying bird baths and other items that collect water;
- ensuring rain barrels are covered with mosquito screening or tightly sealed around the downspout;
- clearing yards of old tires or other items that collect water; and
- improving landscaping to prevent standing water around the home.
For more information about West Nile virus, including prevention, symptoms, weekly average trap counts of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, fact sheets, posters and information for municipalities and health-care providers, click here.
For more information on protecting yourself from Lyme Disease and West Nile virus, speak with a health-care provider or contact Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or at 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free).