Presence of blacklegged ticks in Gavelton area confirmed

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Published on December 7, 2011

Published on December 7, 2011

South West Health is cautioning the public that testing has confirmed that blacklegged ticks have become established in the Gavelton area. This comes after prior testing that discovered the presence of the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.
Topics : Department of Health and Wellness , Nova Scotia Health , South West Health Public Health Services , Gavelton , Nova Scotia

In late August, residents in Gavelton and neighboring communities were notified that blacklegged ticks (BLTs) and the bacteria that causes Lyme disease were found in the Gavelton area. This was determined through routine drag and small animal testing which strongly suggested an increased risk of exposure to BLTs that might be infected with the agent of Lyme disease (Ld).

The health district says that additional testing conducted recently has confirmed that Blacklegged ticks have become established or endemic in the Gavelton area. This means that BLTs are likely to continue to be present in the area.

Tick activity is reduced with the first permanent snowfall or when air temperatures are consistently below 4°C. Activity increases during the spring, summer and fall. Ticks need to be attached to the skin for at least 24 hours in order to transmit Lyme disease. But even then the risk of becoming infected is low.

“Although this is not the time of year when ticks are most active, it’s important for people to be mindful that when working or playing in grassy, shrubby and wooded areas they should prevent tick exposure,” says Lynda Earle, medical officer of health, South West Health. “Preventing exposure will become much more important in spring when ticks are much more active.” Preventing exposure to BLTs is a part of enjoying nature in Nova Scotia safely. Although there are established areas of increased risk within Nova Scotia, ticks have been found throughout the province due to their travels on migrating birds.

The Department of Health and Wellness strongly recommends that people take precautions to prevent exposure to BLTs and infection with Lyme disease, especially in areas where there may be increased risk. This involves wearing clothing that covers the skin, applying an insect repellent containing DEET and doing tick checks if walking or working in grassy, shrubby or forested areas.

It is important that people are able to prevent infection and to recognize the signs and symptoms of the disease, which is treatable with antibiotics.

More info can be obtained from your local Public Health office at 742-7141 and on the Nova Scotia Health and Wellness website.

South West Health Public Health Services has notified residents of Gavelton and nearby communities by letter that BLTs have become established in the area.