Manitoba has seen more ticks this season than usual, and with the recent rains a boom in the mosquito population seems likely as well. As such, the provincial government is asking Manitobans to take extra care to protect themselves from two diseases these pests carry: Lyme disease and West Nile virus.
Lyme disease is transmitted by blacklegged ticks, often called deer ticks, which can be found any time of year when there is no snow on the ground. The province is asking Manitobans to take steps to prevent bites by applying appropriate tick repellent on exposed skin and clothing, following label directions, wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts, tucking in clothing to create a barrier, staying to the centre of walking trails, inspecting yourself, children and pets after spending time outdoors, removing ticks as soon as possible from people and pets using tweezers, and keeping grass and shrubs around homes cut short to create drier environments that are less suitable for tick survival.
Public health officials recommend visiting a health-care provider within 72 hours of removing a tick to receive preventive treatment for Lyme disease if the bite was from a reliably identified blacklegged tick and the tick was attached for 36 hours or more, or was engorged (filled with blood).
Manitobans are encouraged to enjoy outdoor activities while reducing the risk of mosquito bites and exposure to WNV by:
- reducing time spent outdoors during peak mosquito hours between dusk and dawn;
- using appropriate mosquito repellent;
- wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves and pant legs; and
- ensuring door and window screens fit tightly and are free of holes.
Manitobans can also reduce the number of mosquitoes around their home by taking these steps to reduce standing water:
- cleaning eavestroughs and regularly emptying bird baths and other items that collect water;
- ensuring rain barrels are covered with mosquito screening or tightly sealed around the downspout;
- clearing yards of old tires or other items that collect water; and
- improving landscaping to prevent standing water around the home.
For more information about West Nile virus, including prevention, symptoms, weekly average trap counts of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, fact sheets, posters and information for municipalities and health-care providers, visit: www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv/.
