Health officials are reminding you to be prepared for ticks.
Ticks become more active when the temperature rises above four degrees according to officials and if you’re bitten you can run the risk of getting Lyme disease. They say ticks are present throughout the entire Haliburton area but have some tips to reduce the risk.
Dressing in light colours makes it easier to spot ticks when they grab on to you. If you do find ticks on your clothes health officials you can remove them by popping your clothes in the dryer for a few minutes. Also, wear long pants and shirts if you’re planning on taking a hike in a field or forest. Ticks often hang out on the ends of branches and long grasses so they can easily grab onto potential victims.
Officials say not all ticks are infected with Lyme disease and transmission actually depends on how long the tick is attached for. If the tick is removed in less than 24 hours the likelihood of transmission is low, but if the tick has been attached for more than 24 hours it is suggested you consult a healthcare provider. Black-legged ticks are most often the ones carrying the disease.
Symptoms of Lyme disease can range from a bulls-eye rash around the bite area to fever and muscle or joint pain, they can appear anytime from three days to several weeks after being bitten.
More information is available here.
With files from Austin Ling.