WATCH ABOVE: City of Toronto Public Health is testing ticks found in two city parks for Lyme Disease. They say it is precautionary, but other experts say the risk is growing. Christina Stevens reports.
TORONTO — They’re creepy-crawly blood-suckers, and they can make you seriously sick. It’s tick season, and Toronto officials aren’t taking any chances.
Some of the bugs found on Toronto Islands have been sent to a to the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg to test for the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.
Anna Marie Lamantia has been struggling with the symptoms of Lyme disease for years.
“Lots of pain in your body, your legs, your joints,” said Lamantia. “Your joints ache all the time, a lot of fatigue.”
Lamantia said she is frustrated that her pain was made worse after being misdiagnosed multiple times, despite displaying classic symptoms of the disease.
“You are dealing with it on your own and it’s very expensive,” said Lamantia.
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READ MORE: Ticks found on Toronto Islands being tested for Lyme disease
Toronto Public Health said the testing done on the ticks is a precautionary move and results won’t be back from the Winnipeg lab for a few weeks.
“Very few people in Toronto come down with Lyme disease from an exposure in Toronto,” said Dr. Howard Shapiro, from the health agency.
Wooded areas or patches of long grass are a perfect habitat for ticks to thrive.
Symptoms of Lyme disease can often be overlooked. It may feel like you’ve come down with a flu, according to the Canada Lyme Disease Foundation website.
“The first physical signs of Lyme infection are often flu-like symptoms – sore throat, headaches, congestion, stiffness, etc. – so many people, including doctors, dismiss the symptoms as the flu.”
Some people will develop rash, though it is a less common symptom than people commonly believe.
Lamantia said she wants to see more rapid treatment when it comes to Lyme disease, and better communication among health officials and medical professionals.
“Expand the testing,” said Lamantia. “Be more aware.”
Some tips to avoid exposure to tick bites include:
- Wearing a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, socks and closed footwear
- Tucking your pants into your socks and wearing light-coloured clothing, making ticks easier to spot
- Using an insect repellent that contains DEET on clothing and exposed skin
- Examining yourself thoroughly for ticks after going outside
- Using a tick and flea collar on your pets and checking them for ticks routinely
If a tick is discovered on you or your pet it should be removed immediately using a clean pair of tweezers. Removing a tick within 24 to 36 hours of being bitten usually prevents infection, according to Health Canada.
With files from Christina Stevens and Andrew Russell
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