Tick-borne diseases may cause potentially serious infections if you are bitten by an infected blacklegged tick (also called a deer tick). Not all blacklegged ticks carry the infectious agents that cause anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Powassan virus, and/or Lyme disease, and not everyone who is bitten by an infected tick will develop signs and symptoms of these diseases.
See the Ministry of Health’s Tick-Borne Diseases webpage for information about:
- What black legged ticks look like and where they live
- How to avoid getting a tick bite and how to remove a tick
- Tick testing
- Signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Blacklegged ticks are spreading to new areas of the province. They can also spread by traveling on birds and deer. While the probability is low, it is possible to find an infected tick almost anywhere in Ontario. See Public Health Ontario's Lyme Disease Estimated Risk Areas Map for more information. Ticks are most active in spring and summer but can be found at any time of the year when the temperature is above freezing (0°C).
If you find a tick, place it in a container and get it identified before disposing of it. Give the tick to a healthcare provider or contact the Environmental Program at the Health Unit for tick identification. They can be reached at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5400. The tick will be sent to a laboratory for testing. Alternatively, you can send a picture of the tick to the eTick website. All you need is a cell phone to take a picture and upload it directly to the website, or use the app. If successfully uploaded, species identification is available within 48 hours.
As of June 13, 2024, 84 ticks have been sent for identification. Sixty results received, with 51 as blacklegged (ixodes scapularis). Forty-four have tested negative for the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.
Anaplasmosis |
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Babesiosis |
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Powassan Virus |
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Healthcare Providers - Next Steps |
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For more information please contact the Communicable Disease Control Program at 705-474-1400 or 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229 or by email at cdc@healthunit.ca