The Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health is requesting Manitobans to submit blacklegged ticks to be tested for Lyme disease.

 

Lyme disease is caused by a bacterial infection that people can get from the bite of an infected blacklegged (deer) tick. Exposure to blacklegged ticks can occur from April to November.  Adult blacklegged ticks are easier to find in the fall. They are smaller in size and do not have white markings on the large part of the body like the common dog (wood) tick, which does not transmit Lyme disease. 

 

Previous tick surveillance has indicated that blacklegged ticks infected with Lyme disease have been found throughout Manitoba.  These ticks are presumed to be deposited by birds.  Information on the distribution of blacklegged ticks in Manitoba and other surveillance information may help to identify higher risk areas for Lyme disease in Manitoba.

 

Ticks should be placed in a small crushproof bottle (e.g., pill bottle) with a piece of slightly damp paper towel to help keep the tick alive.  Firmly tape the lid shut.  Seal the bottle in a plastic bag and then in a cardboard box labeled:  Research Specimens – Fragile – Handle with Care.

 

The following details should be included with the submission:  name, address and phone number; information about where, when and on what (e.g., person, dog) the tick was found; and any recent travel activity.  Results of the testing will be provided once completed.  Submission forms can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/health/lyme.

 

The package can be mailed to:

Dr. Terry Galloway, Department of Entomology

Room 214, Animal Science/Entomology Building

Fort Garry Campus, University of Manitoba

Winnipeg, MB  R3T 2N2

 

In 2006, an established population of blacklegged ticks was identified in the southeastern corner of the province. The risk for Lyme disease exposure is higher in this area.

  

At this time, two confirmed cases and 19 suspected cases of Lyme disease have been identified in Manitoba in 2008.  One confirmed case has been linked to exposure in the southeastern corner of the province.  One confirmed case has been has been linked to possible exposure in southern Manitoba. The possible exposure locations of the 19 suspected cases are under investigation.

 

The Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health also reminds Manitobans to take precautions to reduce their risk of exposure to ticks that may carry Lyme disease bacteria.

 

Manitobans can reduce contact with blacklegged ticks by:

·         limiting contact with tall grass or wooded areas and staying to the centre of hiking trails or paths;

·         wearing light-coloured clothing to make it easier to see ticks that may be on skin or clothing; 

·         wearing long pants and a long-sleeved shirt in tall-grass habitats or wooded areas where ticks are most commonly found;

·         tucking a shirt into pants and pants into socks to prevent ticks from attaching to the skin;

·         applying an appropriate repellent on clothing and exposed skin after reading and following instructions for use;

·         inspecting oneself, children and pets for ticks and removing them as soon as possible; and

·         keeping grass well mowed to help reduce the amount of habitat suitable for ticks.

 

If a tick is attached to skin, remove it with tweezers.  Grasp the tick close to the skin and pull slowly upward with steady pressure and avoid twisting or crushing the tick. Cleanse the skin around the tick bite with soap and water or disinfectant.  Mark the date and location of the tick bite on your calendar.  The risk of catching Lyme disease from a blacklegged tick is reduced if it is removed early, especially within 24 hours.  

 

Symptoms of Lyme disease can start two days to one month after a tick bite, often with an expanding ring-like rash which then fades.  Early symptoms can also include headache, stiff neck, fever, muscle aches or fatigue.  Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose because some of the symptoms are common to many other diseases and individuals may not realize they have been bitten by a tick.

 

People who think they may have Lyme disease should see their doctor promptly.  Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics and treatment is most successful in the early stages of infection.  Treatment should be based upon a clinical diagnosis because blood tests taken soon after infection may not show evidence of Lyme disease. If untreated, additional health effects may develop including neurologic, cardiac or arthritic conditions.

 

For links to submission forms, information on how to identify blacklegged ticks and to get more information on Lyme disease in Manitoba, visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/lyme.