Canada: Cases of Lyme disease on the rise nationwide

Event

An increase in the number of cases of Lyme disease in Canada has been reported this year, with Québec province particularly affected. Québec health officials reported 65 cases in 2017 as of late July, up from 43 during the same time last year. This year’s high case rate is in line with a growing trend over the past six years, with the number of reported cases growing from a total of 32 in the province in 2011 to 179 in 2016. Ontario and Nova Scotia public health officials are also tracking increased case numbers as tick populations are expanding and Lyme disease awareness has grown.

Context

Lyme disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of the infected blackleg tick. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a skin rash called erythema migrans. The disease can spread to the heart, lungs, and nervous system if left untreated.

Advice

To avoid tick bites, individuals should use insect repellent when outdoors and wear long sleeve shirts and pants when walking in densely wooded areas. Check for ticks after hikes and remove them immediately if discovered.