Take Precautions Against Ticks – Even In Cool Weather

Released on September 25, 2018

Saskatchewan people are advised to continue to take precautions against tick bites when spending time outdoors.

The black-legged ticks that can carry a bacteria that causes Lyme disease are rare in this province, but are most active in the cooler months of October, November and April.

Hunters, hikers and anyone else enjoying the outdoors should take simple precautions before going into grassy, bushy or treed areas.  Use insect repellent containing DEET.  Check yourself, your children and your pets afterwards.  If any ticks are found, they should be carefully and promptly removed with tweezers.

“In Saskatchewan, the risk of being exposed to Lyme disease is low, but not zero,” Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Denise Werker said.  “Less than half a per cent of ticks found here are the black-legged ticks that can be infected with the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, and only a small percentage of those may be infected.”

Information on ticks and Lyme disease is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/lyme.

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For more information, contact:

Shelley Svedahl
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: Shelley.Svedahl@health.gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-537-3594