The red, bullseye shaped rash (also known as erythema migrans) can develop in up to 90% of cases within 2-30 days (average is about 7 days) of the tick bite.
Bite from an infected tick.
Lyme disease is endemic in Canada with 917 reported cases in 2015. The greatest risk occurs where ticks carrying the Lyme disease-causing agent are found. Surveillance in recent years indicates that established populations of black-legged ticks are spreading.
Red circular, expanding rash (with or without central clearing), fatigue, fever, headache, mild stiff neck, joint pain, muscle pain.
Neurologic conditions (meningitis, radiating nerve pain, facial paralysis), cardiac abnormalities (inflammation of the heart muscle with atrioventricular heart block), arthritis.
As there are no vaccines available, basic precautions should be taken:
Avoid tick habitats, such as long grass
Use a recommend insect repellent containing either Icardin (20%) or DEET
Minimize areas of exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed shoes
Carry a tick remover or fine tooth tweezers
Carefully check every day for attached ticks
If found remove the tick by gently gripping it as close to skin as possible and pulling away steadily without twisting or crushing the tick. Ensure the entire tick – including head and mouthparts – is removed
Wash your skin with water and soap afterwards and apply an antiseptic cream around the bite.If possible, send any ticks that you have removed to a public health laboratory in your area or the National Microbiology laboratory (NML)