Ottawa has seen more than 100 confirmed cases of Lyme disease so far this year, and local health authorities are urging residents to take precautions before heading outdoors this summer.
The milestone comes as Ottawa Public Health continues to track a steady rise in tick-borne illness across the region. Lyme disease is spread through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks, which have become increasingly common in wooded areas, tall grass, and parks throughout Eastern Ontario in recent years.
Why Ottawa Is Seeing More Cases
Warmer temperatures and milder winters have allowed tick populations to expand their range across the Ottawa area, according to health officials. Areas that once saw little to no tick activity are now considered at-risk zones, meaning residents who spend time hiking, gardening, or walking dogs in green spaces need to be more vigilant than in past years.
Symptoms of Lyme disease can include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a distinctive bullseye-shaped rash. Left untreated, the infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system, leading to more serious complications down the road. Early treatment with antibiotics is highly effective, which is why health officials stress the importance of catching symptoms quickly.
What Ottawa Residents Can Do
Health authorities recommend a few simple precautions for anyone spending time outdoors in and around Ottawa this season:
- Wear long sleeves and pants when walking through wooded or grassy areas
- Use insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin
- Stick to cleared trails rather than brushing through tall grass
- Check yourself, your kids, and your pets for ticks after being outdoors
- Remove any attached tick promptly with fine-tipped tweezers, grasping close to the skin
Ottawa Public Health notes that not every tick bite results in infection, but the risk climbs the longer a tick remains attached — generally after 24 to 36 hours. Anyone who develops a rash or flu-like symptoms after a tick bite is encouraged to see a doctor as soon as possible.
A Growing Seasonal Concern
With case counts already surpassing 100 for the year, Ottawa joins a number of Ontario municipalities reporting an uptick in Lyme disease as the tick season stretches longer each year. Local health officials say awareness and quick action remain the best defence, especially for families who frequently use the city's trail networks, parks, and green spaces along the Greenbelt and Rideau River corridors.
As Ottawa's tick population continues to grow, staying informed — and staying cautious on the trails — is shaping up to be part of the new normal for outdoor life in the capital.
Source: CBC Ottawa
