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The data and information presented in this web site are presented in good faith and believed to be accurate. Any and all liability for the content or any omissions including any inaccuracies, errors, or misstatements in such data or information is expressly disclaimed. The web site is compiled for the sole purpose of informing community members of resources and information pertaining to Lyme Borreliosis Disease and its coinfections.
The Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation, Directors and members are not liable for any direct or indirect damages or any damages whatsoever resulting from loss of use, data or profits, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tortious action arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of information available from this website.
Consult a qualified Lyme ( Borreliosis ) Disease literate doctor for medical advice if Lyme Disease is suspect.
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New Blacklegged Tick Population Found
Department of Health
November 2, 2005
Ticks found in Bedford have been identified as the type capable of carrying
and transmitting Lyme disease. The ticks were found as part of an ongoing
provincial surveillance program by the Public Health Agency of Canada's
National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg.
The National Microbiology Lab is testing 44 blacklegged ticks found in the
woods off Shore Drive, in Bedford, for the bacteria that causes Lyme
disease. Those tests are expected to be back by the end of the week.
"It's too early to say whether there is a health threat to the public as we
don't know if any of the ticks in that area or any other area outside of
Lunenburg are carrying the bacteria," said Dr. Robert Strang, medical
officer of health for Capital Health. "We want to make the public aware
that these type of ticks could be present anywhere in the province so they
should take precautions when working, playing or hiking in grassy or wooded
areas."
"Our surveillance program has detected blacklegged ticks in Nova Scotia
since 2001," said Jeff Ogden, field entomologist with the Department of
Natural Resources. "Surveillance has indicated that the blacklegged tick
has been established in Lunenburg County, and that is where we've targeted
our active surveillance and education until now."
Mr. Ogden said the province's surveillance system is working. The new ticks
were identified through the province's passive surveillance program. The
public is urged to continue helping the province with tick surveillance by
sending ticks to the Museum of Natural History in Halifax or by dropping
them off at a local Department of Natural Resources office. The ticks will
then be identified, and blacklegged ticks will be sent to the National
Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg for testing.
"In this case, we had four blacklegged ticks from the same area so there
was reason to investigate further," said Mr. Ogden. "This is the first time
we've seen that many ticks from an area outside of Lunenburg County."
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by blacklegged ticks.
However, an infected tick can only transmit Lyme disease once it has
attached itself to the skin for about 24 hours. Lyme disease can be
identified by a "bull's eye rash" along with symptoms including fever,
fatigue, muscle aches and headaches. Serious diseases such as meningitis,
heart problems or chronic joint problems may also develop. Lyme disease is
treatable with commonly used antibiotics. There have been three reported
cases of Lyme disease in the province since 2002.
The Department of Health recommends all Nova Scotians take some precautions
now that the ticks have been found beyond Lunenburg.
These precautions include:
-- wear a light-coloured long-sleeved shirt and pants (so ticks are more
visible), light-coloured socks and enclosed shoes while working or playing
outside or hiking in the woods;
-- pull socks up over pant legs and tuck in shirts;
-- spray clothing with an insect repellant containing DEET;
-- check clothing and exposed skin for ticks after working or playing
outside or in the woods. DEET should not be applied to pets, however, pets
should be checked for ticks before being allowed to enter the house;
-- keep grass well cut to minimize suitable habitat for ticks on your
property.
Physicians throughout the province are reminded annually of the presence of
Lyme disease in the province, and diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
They are also asked to report any suspected cases of human infection.
There are many kinds of ticks found in Nova Scotia. Images of the
blacklegged tick, instructions on removing ticks and general information on
Lyme disease is available on the website at
www.gov.ns.ca/health/ocmoh/lyme.htm .
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