2023-07-02 15:02:28
Dr. Kieran Moore says data on disease cases caused by these insects needs to be enhanced. Now, three viruses that can be transmitted by insects must be reported to public health under new provincial regulations that come into effect this weekend.
Anaplasmosis, babesiosis and Powassan encephalitis are three diseases that can be transmitted by infected ticks. Until now, the data collected on the spread of these diseases was only anecdotal.
“We can now track the occurrence of these diseases, put them on a risk map and notify the public when they become more prevalent. »
— A quote from Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health
Redness on the skin at the site of the bite appears in 60-80% of cases of infection. It spreads rapidly and can notably take the form of a ring or a target.
Photo : iStock
In an interview with The Canadian Press, Dr. Moore warns that the number of cases is likely to increase due to climate change: It is expected that there will be an increase in incidence over the next few years because This is a wave of infections moving up the coast of North America that will affect Ontarians.
Over the past 20 years, cases of Lyme disease have steadily increased, especially those linked to the blacklegged tick, which is now able to survive through the winter. Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health expects other tick-borne illnesses to follow the same trend.
Blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks, carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.
Photo : The Associated Press / Victoria Arocho
To prevent tick-borne diseases, it is recommended to wear long clothes and use insect repellents. A daily check for the presence of ticks following an activity in the forest is also recommended.
According to Public Health Ontario, 48 cases of Lyme disease have been reported in the province.
With information from The Canadian Press
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