Ontario residents are being encouraged to take extra precautions when spending time outdoors this summer as the province warns of increasing risks from ticks and tick-borne illnesses.
The Ministry of Health says Lyme disease remains a growing concern, with infected blacklegged ticks, commonly known as deer ticks, now found in many parts of Ontario. Since 2021, more than 10,000 cases of Lyme disease have been reported across the province. Health officials have also recorded more than 300 cases of anaplasmosis, approximately 20 cases of Powassan virus, and 30 cases of babesiosis since 2023.
Lyme disease can be transmitted through the bite of an infected tick and may cause symptoms including fever, headache, chills, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and an expanding circular rash that can resemble a bull’s-eye. Health officials say early treatment with antibiotics is often successful and encourage anyone experiencing symptoms after a tick bite to seek medical attention promptly.
“As we head outside to enjoy the warmer weather, it is important to protect ourselves from Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses,” says Deputy Premier and Health Minister Sylvia Jones. “By taking simple precautions, Ontarians can protect themselves and their families while enjoying the outdoors in our beautiful province.”
The province recommends wearing light-coloured clothing to make ticks easier to spot, covering exposed skin with long sleeves and pants, using insect repellents containing DEET or icaridin, and performing routine tick checks after spending time outdoors. Residents are also advised to stay on marked trails and avoid tall grass, brush, leaf litter, and trail edges where ticks are commonly found.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore noted that ticks are continuing to spread into new areas of Ontario, increasing the risk for more residents.
“As cases of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses rise and ticks continue to expand into new areas, more Ontarians may be at risk of tick bites,” says Moore. “Simple precautions can help reduce that risk, including being vigilant in wooded and grassy areas, even close to home, wearing appropriate clothing and doing routine tick checks after spending time outdoors.”
If a tick is found attached to the skin, health officials recommend removing it immediately using fine-tipped tweezers, grasping it as close to the skin as possible without crushing it. The area should then be cleaned thoroughly with soap and water and disinfected.
Residents can contact their local public health unit for information about tick identification or submit a photo through eTick.ca. The province notes that pharmacists can now assess tick bites and prescribe medication when appropriate to help prevent Lyme disease, making treatment more accessible.
While ticks are most active during the spring and summer months, they can be found any time temperatures are above freezing, meaning residents should remain vigilant throughout much of the year.
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