West Nile virus, Lyme disease active in York Region, officials warn

York Region is now a Lyme disease risk area

Newmarkettoday.ca
June 9, 2021
Elizabeth Keith

York Region is warning residents to take precautions to avoid getting the insect bites linked to the West Nile virus and Lyme disease.

Both illnesses are transmitted by insects and have been confirmed in the area.

“Our surveillance finds West Nile-virus infected mosquitoes are found each summer across our communities and York Region is now a Lyme disease risk area,” said Dr. Karim Kurji, York Region’s medical officer of health. “Everyone who is outside during the warmer months is at risk and should take steps to prevent being bitten.”

West Nile is transmitted by mosquitos who are infected with the virus.

In most cases, individuals do not show symptoms but some will have flu-like symptoms and, in rare cases, West Nile can lead to serious neurological illness, according to the region.

Last year, seven mosquito traps in York Region tested positive for West Nile virus and there were six human cases reported. None of these were in Newmarket.

Lyme disease is transmitted by blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks, which are carrying a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi.

The illness is difficult to diagnose as the onset of symptoms, as well as the symptoms themselves, vary greatly from person to person, with people falling ill anywhere from three days to one month after a tick bite, the region said.

Some symptoms can include fatigue, fever, headache, numbness, rash, brain fog, muscle and joint pain, and abnormal heart beat.

All of York Region was named as a Lyme disease risk area by the Ontario government in 2020.

This means that blacklegged ticks have been found in the area.

York Region is advising residents to take additional precautions to prevent either of these illnesses this summer.

These include wearing closed-toe shoes, light-coloured clothes and long sleeves to make it easier to spot ticks, while also deterring mosquitos. You're advised also to use insect repellent with DEET or icaridin.

You should also remove and clean up any standing water around their houses such as pool covers, or old tires as these can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Finally, check yourself thoroughly for ticks after being outside and if one is attached to your skin or clothing, remove it with tweezers as quickly as possible.