Download Wellness File: Lyme disease INTRO : Welcome to the Eastern

Wellness File: Lyme disease
INTRO : Welcome to the Eastern Ontario Health Unit Wellness File, with Medical Officer of Health, Dr.
Paul.
Dr. Paul: Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bite of blacklegged ticks. It can cause flulike symptoms and a rash that looks like a red bull's eye. If Lyme disease is left untreated, it can affect
your heart, nervous system or joints. But if it’s caught early, it can usually be treated successfully.
To lower the risk of tick bites and Lyme disease, use insect repellent containing DEET when outdoors,
and wear light coloured-clothing so you can easily see ticks. It’s also a good idea to wear long sleeves,
pants and socks. After being outdoors, remember to examine your body for ticks, and if you find one,
remove it with tweezers. If a tick is removed within 24 hours, it greatly lowers your chances of getting
Lyme disease. If you think it was attached for more than 24 hours, be sure to talk to your healthcare
provider.
EXTRO : For more information on this and other topics, visit the Eastern Ontario Health Unit online at
www.eohu.ca.