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The Ontario government encourages residents to take precautions against tick bites and the risk of contracting Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses as temperatures rise. Symptoms of these diseases include fever, headache, joint pain, and a distinctive circular rash. You can protect yourself from tick bites by:

• Wearing light-coloured clothing, so it’s easier to spot ticks.
• Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants tucked into your socks, closed-toed shoes, or any special clothing designed to repel ticks.
• Applying insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin on your exposed skin and your clothes.
• Checking yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks after being outdoors. Any ticks found should be removed promptly.
• Putting your clothes on high heat in a dryer for at least 10 minutes before washing them, after spending time outdoors.

Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health, advises vigilance and routine tick checks to ensure outdoor safety. Prompt removal of ticks and consultation with healthcare providers are recommended, with pharmacists authorized to prescribe medication to prevent Lyme disease since January 1, 2023. For more information, visit: Health