News Release: October 24, 2018
Don’t Be Fooled By Fall – Stay Vigilant Against Ticks, Lyme Disease
BRAMPTON, ON. (October 24, 2018) – Fall is a beautiful season to spend time in parks and green spaces across the Region of Peel. While outdoors, residents are reminded that a little prevention can go a long way to protect against blacklegged ticks that might carry Lyme disease.
Seasonally cooler weather is forecast for the remainder of October, but blacklegged tick populations are still active. Region of Peel - Public Health monitoring of ticks has identified established blacklegged tick populations in Mississauga and southern Brampton. However, since ticks travel with migratory birds, everyone in Peel should take steps to reduce their risk of being bitten.
“Cases of Lyme disease remain relatively uncommon in Peel, stressed Dr. Lawrence Loh, Associate Medical Officer of Health at Peel Public Health. “But for those enjoying some time outdoors, it would be wise to take a few minutes to learn how to protect themselves against possible exposure to blacklegged ticks that might carry the disease.”
Prevent tick bites with these tips:
- Apply insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin to skin and clothing
- Wear long-sleeved shirts that fit tightly around the wrist and long-legged pants tucked into socks or shoes or boots
- Wear light-coloured clothing to make it easier to see if ticks land on clothing
- Check regularly for ticks and remove attached ticks immediately
Not all ticks or bites are automatically a risk. Lyme disease is typically contracted only through the bite of a blacklegged tick followed by prolonged attachment of around two days. After exposure, symptoms of Lyme disease can arise between three and 30 days and include rash, fever, chills, headache and fatigue. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to stopping the disease from progressing. Residents concerned that they may have experienced a prolonged blacklegged tick bite should see their family doctor.
If you have been bitten by a tick and were able to collect it, you may drop it off at one of the three convenient Region of Peel locations listed below. Blacklegged ticks will be sent for testing for the bacteria that causes Lyme disease in order to understand the presence of the disease in Peel.
- Service Peel, 7120 Hurontario St., Mississauga – Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Town of Caledon, Administration Building, 6311 Old Church Rd., Caledon East – Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Service Peel, 10 Peel Centre Dr., Brampton – 905-799-7700 – Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Media Contacts
Jeff LeMoineCommunication Specialist, Region of Peel - Public Health
289-325-4700
About Peel Region
In 2024, Peel Region marks its 50th anniversary. Peel Region works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe, and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 200,000 businesses in Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon. Peel's services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information explore peelregion.ca and follow us on X @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.
On December 13, 2023, the Ontario government announced that Peel Region will not be dissolved, and that Bill 112 legislation will be updated to reflect service delivery in Peel. Services for residents and businesses will continue without interruption. For updates and more information, visit Peel's transition page.
