2023-06-10 18:27:13
Ticks are more and more numerous in Quebec and Montérégie is a particularly affected region. Saint-Bruno, Saint-Basile and Sainte-Julie are among the municipalities at high and endemic risk of exposure to ticks.
Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium that is transmitted by the bite of an infected tick. A tick bite can occur anywhere in Montérégie, mainly in woodlands and undergrowth, forests, in contact with shrubs and brush, in tall grass and unmaintained land.
Prevent
In order to limit direct contact with ticks, it is recommended to wear light-colored clothing that covers the skin; apply mosquito repellent containing N-Diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) (20 to 30%) or icaridin (10% to 20%). According to the CISSS de la Montérégie-Est, mosquito repellents containing other ingredients are not very effective in repelling ticks. As the risk of developing Lyme disease increases when a tick remains attached for more than 24 hours, it is desirable to remove it quickly in the event of a bite. It is therefore necessary to carefully examine his whole body, that of each child, of each pet; taking a shower or a bath (or swimming); changing clothes; wash clothes or place them in the dryer or in the sun.
Remove a tick
Grasp the tick with pliers, being as close to the skin as possible. It is important not to squeeze the tick’s abdomen, as this increases the risk of transmitting the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Gently but firmly and continuously pull the tick, without twisting or squeezing it, to allow the whole tick to be removed without breaking it. If the tick’s head remains implanted in the skin, you can then gently remove it with the forceps. After removing the tick, it is important to wash your hands and the bite area with soap and water and to disinfect the bite site with a skin antiseptic.
It is advisable to call Info-Santé at 811. Preventive medication may be recommended if the tick bite occurred in certain municipalities of Montérégie, Estrie, Mauricie, Centre-du-Québec, Outaouais or outside Quebec. Other common symptoms are: headache, fatigue, fever, muscle pain and joint pain.
Lyme disease is treated with a common antibiotic. The treatment is very effective if administered quickly.
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