June 15, 2022
Lyme disease present everywhere in Montérégie
By: The Regional Eye
Ticks infected with the bacteria that causes Lyme disease are always present. The number of Montérégians affected has increased by 50%, from around 100 in 2018 to 147 in 2021.
These ticks are currently present everywhere in Montérégie. “However, that shouldn’t stop you from doing outdoor activities like walking, gardening or going on hikes. All you have to do is take simple steps to enjoy these activities without worrying,” argues Dr. Julie Loslier, Director of Public Health for Montérégie.
It is recommended that you walk on trails rather than tall grass and use mosquito repellent containing DEET or icaridin on exposed body parts before participating in any outdoor activity. After the activity, it is recommended to examine your skin and remove any tick that may have attached itself to it using forceps, without turning.
A treatable disease
The first sign of Lyme disease is redness on the skin that extends 5 cm or more. The other most common symptoms are fatigue, fever and muscle or joint pain. The disease can be treated well with an antibiotic.
For the past few years, pharmacists in Montérégie have been able to prescribe preventive medication to people who have been bitten by a tick if it has remained attached to their skin for more than 24 hours. The preventive medicine could prevent the disease from developing.
When Lyme disease is left untreated, it can cause heart problems, arthritis or damage to the nervous system.
For more information: quebec.ca/lyme or Maladiedelymemonteregie.com.