Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health has recently updated their guidelines regarding tick encounters, revealing that the risk of encountering ticks is no longer limited to summer or areas with tall grass. Phil Wong, the health unit’s director of operations for health protection, explained that through a surveillance program where people reported tick encounters, they discovered ticks in various locations beyond wooded trails.
According to Wong, the three main areas where people are encountering ticks are in parks, trails, and camping sites with long grass, at homes on private property, and in occupational settings for outdoor workers. Surprisingly, many individuals are finding ticks on their private properties while gardening or raking leaves, rather than in long grassy areas.
Wong reassured parents that playgrounds, even those with wood chips, are unlikely to harbor ticks due to their preference for damp, shaded areas. However, he advised parents to conduct tick checks on their children after outdoor activities near wooded areas.
Experts warn of a growing tick population in Canada and anticipate a rise in tick encounters from the U.S. Health Canada reports over 40 tick species in Canada, some native while others may be introduced through hosts like birds and deer. Certain ticks, such as the Western blacklegged tick, can transmit Lyme disease, while others like the lone star tick can trigger meat allergies in humans.
To better understand ticks and tick-borne diseases, the Canadian Tick Research and Innovation Centre at Acadia University and the G Magnotta Lyme Disease Research Lab at the University of Guelph have been established. Justin Wood, a Lyme disease survivor and scientist, emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and intervention for tick-borne illnesses.
Despite the increasing tick risk, the public is encouraged to report tick encounters online for tracking purposes. Wong emphasized the importance of enjoying the outdoors while remaining vigilant about tick checks upon returning home.
