Lyme disease is an illness caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria that is spread through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick (deer tick).

Signs and symptoms of Lyme disease usually begin with a rash that can look like a "bulls-eye". If left untreated, symptoms can develop including fatigue, chills, fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes. Deaths from Lyme disease are rare.

If you find a tick on yourself or someone else, prompt removal is very important to prevent the transmission of Lyme disease. People who find a tick on themselves are encouraged to submit the tick to their local public health unit or their doctor. The tick is sent for identification and only blacklegged ticks are further tested for Lyme disease.

In Ontario , the blacklegged ticks infected with the Lyme disease are known to be found in areas along the north shores of Lake Erie, Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. Currently, surveillance indicates the blacklegged tick is not established in York Region.

The York Region Lyme disease Fact Sheet contains information about symptoms, personal protection, tick removal and tick submission procedures.

For more information on Lyme disease or tick removal please contact York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 TTY 1-866-252-9933 to speak to a Public Health Inspector.

Helpful Resources

Ontario:
Ministry of Health and Long Term Care

Canada:

• Health Canada
• Public Health Agency of Canada

United States:
US Centers for Disease Control