By Josh Boyce, May 15, 2022, 6:30 p.m.
Those heading to Pinery Provincial Park have been warned of an increased risk of contracting Lyme disease.
Lambton Public Health said Pinery and 20 km of surroundings, including Port Franks, are at high risk due to the increased population of black-footed ticks and the number of ticks that have yielded positive results.
Health Oversight Authority Jessica Zenal said precautions should always be taken before and during a hike, including the use of an insect repellent containing DEET for adults.
“You definitely want to try to stick to the paths and avoid direct contact with plant growth if possible,” Zehnal said. “You want to wear light clothes, this makes it easier to spot a tick that may be on you. You should wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and socks, shoes with closed toes and a hat. You will want to tuck your shirt into your pants and your pants into your socks.
Zehnal also said it is important to do a daily check for ticks for early detection in areas including the scalp, groin and armpits.
She said that if you have been bitten by a black-legged tick in the Pinery Park area and it has been attached and fed for more than 24 hours, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider.
Lyme disease is unlikely to be contracted if the tick is removed quickly.
The most common symptom is an expanding skin rash that may appear 3 to 30 days after the bite. You may also experience muscle and joint pain, headaches, fever and fatigue.
Not all black-legged ticks carry the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, and not everyone who is bitten by an infected tick will develop signs and symptoms.
You can submit a photo of the ID checkmark by visiting www.lambtonpublichealth.ca.
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