Adventure Awaits: Stay Tick-Safe While Exploring Durham Region This Summer

Summer is the perfect time to explore Durham Region's parks, trails, and green spaces. As more families head outdoors, it's also a good time to be aware of ticks, which are becoming more common across many parts of Ontario. 

While the thought of finding a tick can be unsettling, being informed can help protect you and your family. 

"Many people become understandably concerned when they find a tick on a person, especially on a child," says Dr. Dan Ricciuto, Medical Director, Infection Prevention and Control, Lakeridge Health. "The good news is that most tick bites do not result in serious illness." 

Ticks are commonly found in wooded, brushy, and grassy areas. You can help prevent tick bites by wearing long sleeves and pants, using an insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin, and checking yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks after spending time outdoors.  Showering after activity may wash off unattached ticks, and it is a good opportunity to do a tick check. 

If you find an attached tick, remove it intact as soon as possible. In some situations, a single dose of doxycycline may be recommended to help prevent Lyme disease, if specific eligibility criteria are met and treatment can be started within 72 hours of removing the tick. Your primary care provider or pharmacist can assess whether preventive treatment is appropriate for you. 

In the days and weeks following a bite, monitor for signs of illness such as fever, fatigue, headache, muscle or joint aches, or a rash that continues to spread. Facial nerve weakness on one side (“Bell’s Palsy”) can also be caused by Lyme disease.  

"Awareness is one of the best tools we have," says Dr. Ricciuto. "By understanding the signs and symptoms associated with tick-borne illnesses, families can feel more confident enjoying the outdoors while knowing when to seek care if needed." 

If symptoms develop, contact your family physician, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, or another health-care provider for advice. While most tick bites can be managed at home, seek prompt medical attention if symptoms worsen, you feel significantly unwell, or you have concerns about a child's condition. 

At Lakeridge Health, we know that health concerns don't always happen during regular office hours. Our Emergency Departments at the Ajax Pickering, Bowmanville, Oshawa, and Port Perry hospitals are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to care for urgent and emergency health needs. 

As your community hospital, Lakeridge Health is committed to helping Durham Region families stay informed, healthy, and enjoy all that summer has to offer. 

For more information about tick-borne diseases, preventing tick bites, and safely removing ticks, visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/tick-borne-diseases.