Ticks can spread diseases well into the colder months.
The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) has reminded residents to remain vigilant about blacklegged ticks, with two ticks testing positive recently for Powassan virus.
There have been no reported cases of Powassan virus in humans in the region.
The health unit says ticks can spread several diseases, such as Lyme disease, and they can be treated successfully with medication, however, there is no treatment for Powassan virus.
While getting Powassan virus from a tick bite is rare, it can be severe for some. Most infected people will develop either very mild, flu-like symptoms or no symptoms.
Symptoms can include fever, seizures, vomiting, weakness, confusion, headache, and memory loss.
Ticks are most active in the spring and summer months but can be found at any time of the year when the temperature is above freezing, usually in woodlands, tall grasses and bushes in both rural and urban areas
Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health at the EOHU, said it’s important to take precautions to prevent tick bites.
You can visit www.eohu.ca/ticks to learn how to protect yourself against ticks.
