May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, and the province is urging residents to be on the look out.
Blacklegged ticks are common in the South Shore, and have a high risk of carrying the disease.
Elaine Holmes, Department of Health and Wellness Director of Communicable Disease Prevention and Control, says recognizing what kind of tick carries the disease is key.
“Lyme Disease awareness is really important because we know in Nova Scotia that the Blacklegged ticks that carry the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease is present throughout our province.”
She adds people shouldn’t stop paying attention once June rolls around.
“Lyme Awareness Month is the month of May, but we want people to be aware of Lyme Disease and prevention throughout the coming months, when the temperature is above 4 degrees.”
Lyme Disease can cause rash, fatigue, and muscle weakness.
Tick bites can be prevented by avoiding areas with long grass or shrubs, keeping grass well cut, and using insect repellent.
Blacklegged ticks not only spread Lyme Disease to humans, but can affect your furry friends too.
Dr. Barry Falkenham says that a visit to Bridgewater Animal Hospital can help prevent your dog from contracting the disease.
“We have two or three very good tick products to keep the ticks from infecting the dogs and it will certainly decrease them coming in the house too.”
He says if your pet shows symptoms like fever or unexplained bumps, you should talk to a veterinarian immediately.
