Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health is advising the public to be vigilant in checking for ticks year-round, not just in the summer months or in grassy areas. The health unit’s updated guidance suggests conducting tick checks after any outdoor activities when the temperature is above 0 degrees Celsius.
According to Phil Wong, the director of operations for health protection at the health unit, a surveillance program revealed that tick encounters are not limited to wooded trails anymore. Ticks are being found in various settings, including parks, trails, camping grounds, private properties, and among individuals who work outdoors.
Interestingly, many people are discovering ticks on their private properties while engaging in activities like gardening or raking leaves, not necessarily in long grass. Wong reassures parents that playgrounds, even those with wood chips, are less likely to harbor ticks due to their preference for damp areas and avoidance of direct sunlight. However, he advises parents to still check their children for ticks after outdoor play.
The local tick population increase has prompted the update in guidance by Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health. Canadians are being warned to expect an influx of ticks from the United States. Health Canada reports over 40 tick species in Canada, some of which can transmit diseases like Lyme disease and trigger allergic reactions.
To address the growing concern, a new Canadian Tick Research and Innovation Centre has been established in Nova Scotia, along with the G Magnotta Lyme Disease Research Lab at the University of Guelph. Justin Wood, a Lyme disease survivor and scientist, emphasizes the importance of early detection and intervention for tick-borne illnesses.
Despite the risk of encountering ticks, the health unit encourages people to report any findings online for tracking purposes. Wong emphasizes the importance of enjoying the outdoors while being vigilant about tick checks upon returning home. The health unit provides a platform for submitting tick photos and information for monitoring purposes.
