Pharmacists can now prescribe prophylaxis to prevent Lyme disease, making it easier to get immediate treatment for tick bites.
Pharmacists can now prescribe prophylaxis to prevent Lyme disease, making it easier to get immediate treatment for tick bites.
Toronto Public Health’s (TPH) black-legged tick collection program was put on hold in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19.
Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) reported 62.5% of black-legged ticks collected tested positive for the Lyme disease bacteria.
Local health units are no longer accepting black-legged ticks from the public after a decision by the Public Health Agency of Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory (NML)’s to stop testing them as of Sept. 20.
Clinical trials for a seasonal preventative shot for Lyme disease began in mid-February in the US by the University of Massachusetts (UMASS).
With the arrival of summer-like weather, the province is reminding everyone to take precautions to prevent tick bites and reduce the risk of Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is increasing with more black-legged ticks, and an increased chance of being bitten. The odds of that tick carrying the disease is about 30%.
With COVID-19 restrictions beginning to ease, public health officials are reminding everyone to take extra care this summer and fall to prevent tick bites, especially in forested areas or where there is tall grass, weeds, or shrubs.
