SWPH asking the public to protect themselves from ticks

With tick activity on the rise across the area, public health officials are reminding residents to check for ticks after spending time outdoors and to take precautions to prevent Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses (Contributed Photo)

Lee Griffi, Editor

With warmer weather comes an increase in tick activity. As a result, Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) is reminding residents of simple steps they can take to reduce the risk of tick bites and tick-borne illnesses, like Lyme Disease.

“We are seeing more ticks in our communities and more reports of tick bites, often right at home,” says Kitty Chan, Manager of Environmental Health. “As our climate continues to warm, ticks are active for longer periods each year, which means people need to think about tick protection any time they are outdoors.”

Blacklegged ticks can cause infections such as Lyme disease, as well as other illnesses, including anaplasmosis and babesiosis. SWPH reported 32 Lyme disease cases in 2023, 36 in 2024, and 45 cases in 2025, a sharp increase compared with four reported in 2020.

“One of the biggest misconceptions is that ticks are only a concern in deep woods,” says Chan. “For nearly half of the Lyme disease cases we saw in 2025, the suspected exposure happened in their own backyard. That’s why daily prevention and tick checks are so important.”

Ticks are most often found in shady, damp, and grassy areas such as wooded spaces, tall grasses, shrubs, and leaf litter. Blacklegged ticks are continuing to move into new areas across Ontario and within the SWPH region. In 2025, Pinafore Park in St. Thomas was newly identified as a blacklegged tick risk area.

“Preventing tick bites starts before you even step outside,” says Chan. “Wear long sleeves, long pants, closed-toe shoes, and tuck your pants into socks to help keep ticks off your skin. Use insect repellent with DEET and choose light-coloured clothing when going outdoors.”

The health unit said tick activity and human impacts have been increasing locally, often close to people’s homes.

SWPH tracks several types of data related to ticks and tick-borne illness, and 32 Lyme disease cases were reported in 2023, 36 in 2024, and 45 cases in 2025, a sharp increase compared with just four reported cases in 2020.

The health unit also tracks reported tick bites and encounters, exposure locations (e.g., backyard vs. other environments), and identification of tick risk areas within the region such as newly identified sites like Pinafore Park in St. Thomas last year.

“Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick. While it is typically treatable with antibiotics, early detection is important to prevent more serious complications,” explained Chan.

“In its early stages, it may cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, and muscle or joint aches, and sometimes a bull’s-eye rash. If not identified and treated, the infection can progress and affect other parts of the body, including the joints, nervous system, and heart,” she added.

Southwestern Public Health said their focus is on prevention, early recognition, and timely follow-up. Residents are encouraged to monitor for symptoms after any potential tick exposure and to act early.

“Watch for symptoms. Keep an eye out for fever, chills, headache, fatigue, or a rash in the days or weeks following a tick bite. Not everyone develops a rash, so it’s important to pay attention to any unusual symptoms,” said Chan, who added if symptoms develop or there are concerns about a tick bite, people should reach out to a health care provider promptly for assessment and advice.

“In Ontario, primary care providers and pharmacists may prescribe preventive antibiotics in certain higher-risk situations.”

SWPH also encourages residents to check their bodies for ticks every time they come indoors, especially around the neck, ears, underarms, and groin. Showering and towel drying after outdoor activities can help remove ticks before they attach.

“If you do find a tick, remove it promptly and safely with a tick removal device, while making sure to also remove its head,” says Chan. “The online tool, www.eTick.ca, can help identify the tick species to determine whether medical follow-up is needed.”

SWPH is also reminding residents to monitor symptoms and seek medical advice if they feel unwell after a potential tick exposure. Find more information about ticks, Lyme disease, and prevention tips at southwesternpublichealth.ca/ticks.