The Public Health Department of the Laval Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CISSS) would like to remind citizens to be vigilant for ticks when walking outside at the start of the summer season.
Remember that some of them can transmit Lyme disease.
The National Institute of Public Health of Quebec (INSPQ) has drawn up a list of Quebec municipalities where the risk of contracting the disease is “significant”.
The Laval region is now part of this list.
Prevention
In Quebec, Lyme disease is transmitted to humans mainly by the bite of a blacklegged tick.
It lives in vegetation, especially in woods and tall grass.
Note that it is important to adopt simple and effective prevention measures between the months of April and November during outdoor activities.
The CISSS de Laval recommends wearing long light-colored clothing covering the body to more easily spot any ticks that may approach.
The latter also mentions applying mosquito repellent containing DEET or icaridin.
The organization adds that staying on the trails and avoiding contact with vegetation are important points to consider.
In addition, when returning from an outdoor activity, each person must examine their equipment and their body.
If a tick is attached to a person’s skin, it must be removed using eyebrow tweezers and the person must call InfoSanté 811 to verify their eligibility for preventive treatment.
(J.B./IJL)