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       Prevent Tick-Borne Diseases Such as Lyme Disease and Powassan Virus by
       Taking Protective Measures
        
 (HTM) Source
        
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       **provided by the Eastern Ontario Health Unit**
        
       The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) is cautioning residents that
       populations of black legged ticks, which can spread Lyme disease,
       Powassan virus and other tick-borne diseases to humans, are increasing
       in locations across the five eastern counties. The EOHU region is a
       known risk area, where blacklegged ticks (also known as deer ticks)
       have been identified and where individuals have the potential to come
       into contact with infected ticks.
        
       Ticks carrying Lyme disease have been present in the area for a number
       of years. Powassan virus has also recently been identified in a
       blacklegged tick in the EOHU region. In addition, anaplasmosis and
       babesiosis are diseases that have been detected in Ontario and can be
       transmitted by blacklegged ticks. While these diseases are less common
       than Lyme disease, they also have the potential to cause serious
       illness. Most cases of Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and babesiosis can
       be treated successfully with medication, however there is currently no
       treatment for Powassan virus.
        
       "Due to our mild winter, the tick season has started earlier this
       year, and ticks are already very active," says Dr. Paul Roumeliotis,
       Medical Officer of Health at the EOHU. "With Lyme disease and other
       tick-borne diseases on the rise in Ontario, it's very important to
       take precautions to prevent tick bites. I encourage everyone to visit
       www.eohu.ca/ticks to learn how to protect yourself and those you care
       for." He adds that residents should contact their healthcare provider
       or pharmacist if they find a tick that's been attached to their skin
       for at least 24 hours, or if they develop flu-like symptoms or an
       unusual rash in the days or weeks following a tick bite.
        
       Ticks are most active in the spring and summer months but can be found
       at any time of the year when the temperature is above freezing,
       usually in woodlands, tall grasses and bushes in both rural and urban
       areas. There are measures you can take to discourage the presence of
       ticks around your home and to keep ticks off you, your family and your
       pets.
        
       For more information on how to protect yourself and your loved ones
       from tick-borne diseases, as well as what to do if you've been bitten
       by a tick, visit www.eohu.ca/ticks.
        
        
        
        
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