THUNDER BAY – Deer ticks are invading the city this season more aggressively than ever before.
Known as black-legged ticks and made infamous for their habit of spreading Lyme disease, the tiny arachnid is poised to have a significant presence in the city this tick season.
Already the Thunder Bay District Health Unit has confirmed 44 black-legged tick cases. Those confirmed cases came from bugs the public had submitted for identification.
In response to the increase in tick populations throughout the area EcoSuperior and the district’s Health Unit are hosting an information session on Tuesday July 19th.
“We want the public to be aware of the fact that there is a problem here, and that they can take precautions because Lyme disease is preventable,” said Thunder Bay District Health Unit entomologist Ken Deacon.
Last year the Health Unit had 49 cases submitted, only five more than has already been reported this season.
Deacon is expecting that number to double by the time the season ends, exceeding the record high 71 in 2011.
Only the black-legged ticks carry Lyme disease. The disease is an inflammatory illness caused by bacteria transmitted by tick bites.
The disease can affect the skin, joints, heart and the nervous system, but only ticks infected by the bacteria can pass it on.
“They have to be on you for quite a while,” Deacon said.
“At least 24 hours, some say up to 48 before there’s a chance of you getting the disease.”
Lyme symptoms are similar to other illnesses, so often times it can be misdiagnosed.
Deacon added that the disease is easily treatable in its first stages, but the longer someone has the disease the harder it is to treat.
