Seasonal Time to Think Ticks, Mosquitoes and Well-Water Testing

Point Edward, ON - Exposure to insects is a hazard of outdoor activity, and while you may be practising physical distancing, ticks and mosquitoes won't be. Be prepared for seasonal changes.

Take precautions with any outdoor activity to limit the spread of disease.

• Prevent bites from ticks and mosquitoes by using insect repellant, wearing long sleeved shirts and pants (when appropriate), and completing visual checks for bugs during and after outdoor activities.
• Reduce standing water around your property to limit mosquitoes from breeding.
• Monitor rain fall for flood conditions and remember to test all private wells at least 3-4 times per year, including the spring time.

Lyme disease and West Nile virus

Lambton Public Health (LPH) monitors for the presence of Lyme disease and West Nile virus in our community; however, LPH's surveillance program will no longer accept ticks for testing.

"If you find a tick on yourself, take precautions to safely remove it and submit a photo to eTick.ca for tick identification," said Lori Lucas, Health Protection supervisor at LPH. "The website has public data and a map showing the types of ticks and where they were found across Canada."

Individuals should be aware of the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease and West Nile virus. Contact your health-care provider if you are experiencing symptoms. Learn more about Lyme disease at ontario.ca/page/lyme-disease and West Nile virus at ontario.ca/page/west-nile-virus.

Water sampling and testing

Lambton Public Health provides free, well-water testing options for residents with private wells to prevent and reduce water-borne illness related to drinking water.

Due to COVID-19, access restrictions are in place, so please call before visiting an office. Learn more about testing options at Lambtonpublichealth.ca/2019-novel-coronavirus/service-changes/.

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Please contact:

Lori Lucas
Supervisor, Health Protection
County of Lambton
519-383-8331 ext. 3574
Email Lori Lucas