PHSD Warns of Ticks After One Tests Positive for Lyme Disease Bacteria

Sudbury's health unit is warning to beware ticks.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts notes a blacklegged tick "found locally" has tested positive for the bacteria that can cause Lyme disease - the first to do so this year.

It recommends measures to protect yourself, including: avoiding walking in tall grass; clearing debris and overgrown vegetation, grass, bushes, and trees from yards; keeping wood piles or bird feeders away from homes; and wearing long-sleeved, light-coloured clothes with closed-toe shoes, as well as Health Canada-approved insect repellants.

Signs of Lyme disease include a red bull's eye-shaped rash around the bite area, as well as symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, stiff neck, and swollen glands.