Health officials in Elgin are advising residents to take steps to avoid blacklegged tick bites after an individual in Bayham tested positive for Lyme disease.
Elgin St. Thomas Public Health issued the cautionary note on Wednesday.
“Although the majority of ticks identified in Elgin County are dog ticks, residents should take precautions to protect themselves while outdoors," says Dr. Joyce Lock, medical officer of health.
Lyme disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick, also known as a deer tick.
Health officials say it's best to wear long sleeves, pants tucked into socks, and fully-closed boots or shoes to avoid tick bites when walking in tall grass, marshlands and bushes.
Ticks found attached to people can be submitted to the health unit. If determined to be a blacklegged tick, it will be sent for further testing for Lyme disease.
