Health Unit Closing its Tick Testing Services, Faster Results for the Public

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

NORTH BAY, ON — Individuals have a couple months left to submit a tick to the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) for laboratory testing. Effective January 1, 2025, the public will be asked to use online tools to assess the risk of tick-borne disease transmission.

This decision comes as part of the Health Unit’s efforts to make tick identification more efficient for the public. Currently, testing through a private lab is a lengthy process and often means delays in timely information that may determine whether an individual seeks medical information.

During the transition phase, the Health Unit is encouraging the public to become familiar with etick.ca and a Tick bites and Lyme disease risk tool. The eTick website allows individuals to submit photos of ticks and have their species identified by a professional within 48 hours. The risk tool will help individuals assess the risk of Lyme disease transmission and provide recommendations on whether a healthcare visit is necessary after a tick is found on them. Both tools can be accessed through the Health Unit website at myhealthunit.ca/ticks. Individuals with concerns regarding potential Lyme disease transmission are advised to speak with a healthcare provider promptly.

Those who wish to receive laboratory results for a tick submission before January 1, 2025, can do so by carefully placing the tick in a container and dropping it off at the Health Unit’s North Bay location (345 Oak St. W) or Parry Sound location (90 Bowes St., Suite 201).

For additional assistance, please contact the Environmental Health program at 705-474-1400, extension 5400.

For more information on ticks and Lyme disease, please visit www.healthunit.ca/ticks.

Media Inquiries:

Aanu Adenaike, Public Relations Specialist
P: 705-474-1400, ext. 5221 or 1-800-563-2808
E: communications@healthunit.ca