Lyme Disease
Be on the lookout for ticks!
Lyme disease is caused by bacteria transmitted through the bite of an infected tick (insect). It generally appears as a rash at the location of the bite. Since ticks are increasingly common in Québec, it's important to take certain necessary precautions.
When taking part in outdoor activities from April to November:
- Use a mosquito repellent that contains DEET or icaridin.
- Avoid brushing up against vegetation.
- When coming in after the activity, take a shower. Then check your body for ticks and remove any you find.
Have you been bitten by a tick?
Were you bitten by a tick in Haute-Yamaska, Brome-Missisquoi or near Asbestos?
- Remove the tick with a fine tweezers, such as an eyebrow tweezers.
- Call Info-santé at 811: preventive treatment might be recommended.
- Put the tick in a container (e.g., a pill bottle). Write down the date and location where you were bitten. This information could be useful if you consult a doctor.
- See your doctor or go to a walk-in medical clinic. If Lyme-disease symptoms appear from 3 to 30 days after you were bitten.
Were you bitten by a tick somewhere else in Estrie?
- Remove the tick with a fine tweezers, such as an eyebrow tweezersThis link will pop up in a new window..
- Put the tick in a container (e.g., a pill bottle). Write down the date and location where you were bitten. This information could be useful if you consult a doctor. •
- See your doctor or go to a walk-in medical clinic if Lyme-disease symptoms appear from 3 to 30 days after you were bitten.
Common Symptoms
The most common symptom is a rash around the location of the bite, occurring in 60% to 80% of cases. It expands gradually over a period of days, generally reaching more than 5 cm across. Other symptoms can also occur, such as fever, fatigue, headache, neck stiffness, and muscle or joint aches.
Practical Advice
Useful Links
- Lyme-disease information sheet | Before a Tick Bites You...
- Public Health Agency of Canada | Lyme Disease
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec | La maladie de Lyme et les maladies transmises par tiques (interactive map by municipality) (French)
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