A Walk in the Park: A Belleville Resident’s Guide to Lyme Disease Awareness
Here in Belleville, summer is in full swing. The days are long and warm, and the stunning natural beauty of the Quinte region is calling our name. From a stroll along the Riverfront Trail to a hike in the H.R. Frink Centre or a weekend at the cottage, it’s the season to be outdoors.
But as we enjoy the sunshine and greenery, there's a tiny resident we need to be mindful of: the blacklegged tick. And with ticks comes the risk of Lyme disease, a serious but preventable illness. As we head into the heart of July, peak season for tick activity, here’s what every local resident should know.
What Exactly is Lyme Disease? Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick (often called a deer tick). These ticks are very small—nymphs can be as small as a poppy seed—and their bites are usually painless, making them easy to miss. The Hastings Prince Edward region, including Belleville, is considered a risk area for Lyme disease.
Prevention: Your First and Best Line of Defence Enjoying the outdoors safely is all about preparation. Before you head out to a park, trail, or even your own backyard if it borders a wooded area, keep these tips in mind:
Use Repellent: Apply an insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin to your skin and clothing.
Dress Smart: Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants to make it easier to spot ticks. Tucking your pants into your socks is a simple but highly effective trick.
Stay on the Path: Ticks prefer to live in tall grass, brush, and wooded areas. Whenever possible, stick to cleared trails.
Perform a Daily Tick Check: This is the most important step. After spending time outdoors, check your entire body for ticks. Pay special attention to your scalp, armpits, groin, navel, and the areas behind your knees and ears. Don't forget to check your children and pets, too.
Toss Clothes in the Dryer: Ticks can survive a wash cycle, but they can't handle the heat. Tossing your outdoor clothes in a hot dryer for 10-15 minutes will kill any stowaways.
Know the Signs and Symptoms If a tick does bite you, being able to recognize the early signs of Lyme disease is crucial for getting prompt treatment. Symptoms usually appear between 3 and 30 days after a bite.
Early symptoms can include:
The "Bull's-Eye" Rash: This is the classic sign, known as erythema migrans. It appears as a red, expanding rash, often with a clear centre. However, it’s important to know that not everyone gets the rash, and it may not look like a perfect bull's-eye.
Flu-Like Symptoms: Fever, chills, headache, fatigue, and muscle and joint aches are common early signs. Given their similarity to a summer cold or flu, they can be easy to dismiss.
If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to more serious problems, including severe arthritis, facial palsy, heart palpitations, and neurological issues.
What to Do If You Find a Tick Remove it Promptly: Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to your skin's surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking, as this can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin.
Clean the Area: After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
See a Doctor: It’s wise to speak with your doctor or visit a clinic, especially if the tick was attached for more than 24 hours or if you develop any symptoms. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are key to a full recovery.
Don't let the fear of ticks keep you indoors. Our region is too beautiful not to be enjoyed. By taking a few simple precautions, you can protect yourself and your family, ensuring your summer memories are filled with sunshine, not stress. Be aware, be prepared, and enjoy everything our wonderful Belleville summer has to offer.
If only I had done all these before the little attack which hasn't been fun.
Connect... Gordon GordonBufton@Proton.me @GordonBufton33