Lyme Disease Cases Explode in Canada: What You Need to Know

Lyme Disease on the Rise in Canada: CTV News Reports on Tick-Borne Illness Canada is facing a growing concern regarding the spread of Lyme disease, a serious illness transmitted by blacklegged ticks. According to a recent CTV News report, cases have skyrocketed from a few hundred a decade ago to over 5000 last year. The report highlights several high-risk zones across the country, including Vancouver Island, most of Manitoba, southern Ontario (including the GTA), and a corridor from Kingston through Ottawa and Montreal, encompassing almost all of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. "Warmer winters help black-legged ticks survive and expand north," explains the CTV News presenter, highlighting the impact of climate change on the expanding tick population. Birds, deer, and rodents are identified as carriers, contributing to the spread into new areas. The video also details the symptoms of Lyme disease, including fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and a characteristic bullseye rash. If left untreated, more severe symptoms such as joint pain, nerve issues, and even facial paralysis can occur. The presenter urges viewers to take preventative measures: "Wear light-colored clothing and tuck your pants into your socks. Use insect repellent and check for ticks after being outdoors." Proper tick removal with tweezers is also demonstrated. This rise in Lyme disease cases underscores the importance of public awareness and preventative measures. The easy-to-follow advice provided in the CTV News report empowers Canadians to protect themselves and their families from this potentially serious illness.