Ah, Summer! Beaches, boating, ball games, BBQ’s, and Vector Borne Diseases. “Vector Borne Diseases” is a relatively LARGE term that is brought on by two incredibly small organisms; mosquitos and ticks –and with the warmer weather we are at an increased risk of coming into contact with these organisms. Thankfully, CK Public Health Inspectors have “got your back” and are … Read More
5 Things You Can Do to Protect Yourself from Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is caused by bacteria spread by the bite of an infected blacklegged tick. The best way to protect yourself from Lyme disease is to prevent tick bites. Here are five things you can do to reduce your chances of Lyme disease: 1. Cover up! Wearing long sleeved shirts and pants keeps ticks off your skin where they can … Read More
Everything You Wanted to Know About Lyme Disease, but Were Afraid to Ask
Questions about Lyme disease? Read our FAQ to learn how you can protect yourself. What is Lyme disease? How do you get it? How do you know if you have Lyme disease? Are there ticks in Chatham-Kent? What do blacklegged ticks look like? How can I protect myself from Lyme disease? I found a tick on my body! What do … Read More
How to Properly Remove a Tick!
HOW TO PROPERLY REMOVE A TICK! DO! Use fine tipped tweezers Firmly grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible Steadily pull the tick’s body away from your skin using an upwards motion Place the tick in a small sealed plastic container Wash the bite site with warm water and soap Bring the tick to the Chatham-Kent Public … Read More
Ticks!
Not all ticks carry Lyme Disease. In Ontario, the tick that is known to transmit Lyme Disease is the Blacklegged (Deer) Tick. What are Blacklegged Ticks? Adult Blacklegged Ticks are about the size of a sesame seed or smaller with distinct reddish colouring on their backsides. They move slowly, cannot fly, and feed on blood to grow and develop. Protect … Read More