Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health has issued updated guidelines indicating that the risk of encountering ticks is no longer limited to summer or areas with tall grass. The new recommendation advises individuals to conduct tick checks after being outdoors in temperatures above 0 degrees Celsius. According to Phil Wong, the health unit’s health protection operations director, a surveillance initiative revealed that tick encounters are not only limited to wooded trails but have expanded to various locations.
Tick exposure hotspots include parks, trails, camping sites with long grass, private properties, and workplaces for outdoor workers. Wong highlighted that many people are finding ticks on their private properties while gardening or raking leaves, emphasizing the importance of conducting tick checks after outdoor activities. Contrary to concerns, playgrounds, even those with wood chips, are deemed low-risk for tick encounters due to ticks’ preference for damp areas over direct sunlight.
Health Canada reports over 40 tick species in Canada, some native while others introduced through hosts like birds and deer. Certain ticks, such as the Western blacklegged tick, can transmit Lyme disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and parasites. The Lone Star tick, another species, can induce a meat allergy in humans. To enhance tick research, the Canadian Tick Research and Innovation Centre recently opened at Acadia University, alongside the G Magnotta Lyme Disease Research Lab at the University of Guelph.
Justin Wood, CEO of Geneticks and a Lyme disease researcher, stressed the importance of early diagnosis and intervention for tick-borne illnesses. Despite common misconceptions, ticks do not perish during cold winters but enter a hibernation-like state in leaf litter, maintaining their population. Public health encourages reporting tick sightings online for tracking purposes, offering a designated website for photo submissions and information.
While the risk of tick encounters persists, Wong advised against avoiding outdoor activities. He emphasized enjoying the region’s natural spaces while advocating for regular tick checks upon returning indoors. The health unit aims to raise awareness about tick safety without discouraging outdoor recreation.
