Tick-borne illness cases surge across Canada amid public health warnings
Public health authorities are warning Canadians about a sharp rise in tick-borne illnesses, including Lyme disease and other infections transmitted by blacklegged ticks, as warmer temperatures expand tick populations across the country.
Growing Public Health Concern
Canadian public health agencies are raising alarms about a significant uptick in tick-borne illnesses across the country. Tick-borne illnesses are surging across Canada. The rise is being driven by expanding tick populations due to warmer weather patterns and climate change creating more favourable conditions for tick survival and reproduction.
What You Need to Know
Blacklegged ticks can transmit serious illnesses, most notably Lyme disease, but also other infections such as anaplasmosis and babesiosis. The risk is particularly elevated in spring and summer months when ticks are most active. Ticks are found in wooded areas, tall grasses, and shrubby vegetation, and can attach to humans and animals without being noticed initially.
Prevention and Action Steps
Public health experts recommend checking your body thoroughly for ticks after spending time outdoors, tucking pants into socks in high-risk areas, and using insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin. If you find a tick, remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers and monitor for symptoms such as fever, headache, joint pain, or the characteristic "bull's-eye" rash associated with Lyme disease. Medical attention should be sought if symptoms develop.
For expats and newcomers: If you're planning outdoor activities—hiking, camping, or spending time in parks or forests—familiarize yourself with tick prevention. Canada's health system covers tick removal and testing, but early prevention and detection are key. Contact your family doctor or local public health unit if you suspect a tick bite or develop symptoms after outdoor exposure.
Sources
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