Lyme disease, caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium transmitted by the deer tick(Ixodes scapularis), is monitored by the Quebec Public Health Laboratory. A study carried out in 2008 by the Institut national de santé publique du Québec confirmed the tick’s establishment in certain areas of the Montérégie region, where the bacteria responsible for the disease have also been detected.
Frequently asked questions
- How can Lyme disease be prevented during forest activities?
- Avoid places indicated as infested with ticks (e.g. park signs in the U.S.).
- Walk on trails to avoid tall grasses likely to harbor ticks.
- Use insect repellent containing DEET.
- Wear a hat, closed shoes and long, light-colored clothing.
- What to do after a forest activity?
- Take a close look at the whole body, children’s bodies and pets’ bodies.
- Remove any ticks attached to the skin quickly and properly (see steps below).
- Consult a doctor or veterinarian in the case of pets. He or she can have the tick analyzed.
- How do I remove a tick from my skin?
- Grasp the tick with tweezers or a tick-puller, as close to the skin as possible. It’s important not to squeeze the tick’s abdomen.
- Pull the tick gently and steadily, without twisting or crushing it. If you are using a mosquito puller, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you can’t remove the tick’s head, leave it in place; the skin will heal.
- Clean your skin with soap and water, and wash your hands thoroughly.
- Place the collected ticks in an airtight container – without adding anything else (e.g. empty pill container);
- Keep the container at room temperature and contact a health specialist to determine whether medical follow-up or analysis of the tick is necessary.
Further information