Mississauga considered ‘risk area’ for Lyme disease

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Published July 7, 2020 at 2:30 pm

blackleggedtick

Many people may be unaware that the Region of Peel is a risk area for Lyme disease.

According to Peel Public Health, Lyme disease is a bacterial illness that is spread to people and animals through tick bites and was first identified in 1975 in Lyme, Connecticut.

Lyme disease is a vector-borne disease and happens in phases. If it is not treated with antibiotics, it can affect the joints, heart and nervous system.

A bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi causes Lyme disease and can be carried in mice, squirrels, birds and other small animals and can spread to ticks when they feed on these infected animals.

The disease can then spread to people when ticks bite the skin and feed on the person’s blood, which in turn, infects the human.

In Ontario, the black-legged tick, also known as the Ixodes scapularis or deer tick, spreads the disease to people and other animals.

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While it is important to note that Lyme disease can infect animals in our homes, such as dogs and cats, most animals don’t show any symptoms and their owners only discover the diagnosis through routine blood tests.

According to Peel Public Health, the first sign of a Lyme disease infection is usually a circular rash called erythema migrans (EM), which happens in about 70-80% of people infected with the disease.

The circular rash appears at the site of the tick bite 3 days to 1 month after a person is bitten.

Other symptoms include fatigue, chills, fever, headaches, muscle and joint pain and swollen lymph nodes. 

If the infection isn’t treated, the second stage of the disease can last for several months. 

During the second stage, symptoms include nervous system disorders, multiple skin rashes, arthritis and arthritic symptoms, heart palpitations (a pounding or racing heart, or like your heart is skipping) and severe fatigue and general weakness.

If the infection continues to go untreated, the third stage of the disease can last months to even years.

Chronic arthritis and neurological symptoms can both be signs of the third stage of the disease.

To protect yourself against Lyme disease in the Region of Peel, cover yourself up when in and around wooded areas including areas with tall grass.

Upon returning from outside, always check for ticks on yourself, your children and your pets.

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above or think you might have Lyme disease, book an appointment with your doctor.

Photo courtesy of the Region of Peel

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