Across North America, health officials are grappling with a concerning trend: a marked increase in tick-borne illnesses. Experts point to climate change as the primary driver, creating conditions that allow tick populations to thrive and expand into new territories.
“Climate change in Canada is happening at a much more accelerated rate than we see in parts of the rest of the world,” explains Heather Coatsworth, chief of field studies at the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg. “Ticks require a certain amount of heat and humidity to complete their life cycle.”
This expansion isn’t just a matter of ticks moving a few miles. Warmer temperatures and altered precipitation patterns are reshaping ecosystems, making previously inhospitable areas suitable for these disease-carrying arachnids. Once confined primarily to Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia, blacklegged ticks are now establishing themselves in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and even British Columbia.
This shift has significant implications for public health. It’s not just about Lyme disease anymore. While Lyme remains a major concern, other tick-borne illnesses like anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus are also on the rise. Many doctors, especially those in regions previously considered low-risk, may lack the necessary training to recognize and treat these emerging threats. “A lot of doctors have been told , this was their training , ‘you can’t get Lyme disease in Alberta; if you don’t have a travel history don’t worry about it,’” laments Janet Sperling, president of the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation. “There’s no doubt that it has changed and the education hasn’t caught up with some of the doctors.”
The situation is evolving rapidly, demanding a multi-pronged approach that includes public awareness campaigns, enhanced medical training, and continued research into tick-borne diseases and their prevention.
- Lyme Disease: The most well-known, with cases projected to potentially reach half a million in Canada within 25 years.
- Anaplasmosis: Showing the fastest growth among emerging diseases, its symptoms mirror Lyme disease but without the telltale rash.
- Babesiosis: Shares symptoms with Lyme disease and often causes anemia.
- Powassan Virus: The most dangerous, potentially leading to severe neurological complications.
Before and After: For decades, tick-borne illnesses were largely confined to specific regions. The **Catalyst for Change** has been the rapid acceleration of climate change, creating ideal habitats for ticks across broader geographical areas. The Lasting Impact promises to be a sustained and increasing burden on public health systems, requiring proactive measures to mitigate the spread of disease.
The rise in tick-borne diseases doesn’t mean people should stay indoors. Rather, it underscores the need for vigilance and preventative measures. Public health officials urge individuals to take precautions when spending time outdoors, especially in wooded or grassy areas. These include wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin, and performing thorough tick checks after outdoor activities.
Sarah Miller, a mother of two from rural Manitoba, learned this lesson the hard way. “We always enjoyed hiking in the nearby forest,” she recounts. “But last summer, my youngest son developed a fever and fatigue a few weeks after a family hike. At first, we thought it was just a virus, but his symptoms persisted. After multiple visits to different doctors, he was finally diagnosed with Lyme disease.” Miller adds, “Things took an unexpected turn. I wish we had been more aware of the risks and taken better precautions.”
Experts emphasize the importance of early detection and treatment. Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, if caught early, can be effectively treated with antibiotics. Babesiosis responds to anti-parasitic medications. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for Powassan virus, and patients require supportive care to manage the neurological complications.
Dr. Curtis Russell, a vector-borne disease specialist at Public Health Ontario, stresses the importance of prompt tick removal. “A lot of people are very surprised when I show them a blacklegged tick. They can’t believe how small they are,” he says. An adult tick is only about the size of a sesame seed, making them easy to miss. When removing a tick, use tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin as possible and pull it straight out. Avoid twisting or squeezing the tick, as this can increase the risk of infection. The risck of long trem effects are real and should be prevented where possible.
After removing a tick, individuals are encouraged to submit a photo and information about the potential exposure site to etick.ca, a service that identifies the tick species and assesses the risk of disease transmission. If symptoms develop, it’s crucial to seek medical attention and inform the health-care provider about the possible tick exposure.
Social media is abuzz with concerns. A recent post on X.com read: “Anyone else seeing way more ticks this year? Found three on my dog after just a short walk in the park! #tickseason #Lymedisease #climatechange” Another Facebook post shared a similar sentiment: “Be careful out there! My neighbor just got diagnosed with anaplasmosis. Never even heard of it before. #tickawareness #protectyourself”
The growing threat of tick-borne illnesses underscores the urgent need to address climate change and its impacts on public health. As the climate continues to warm, the range and prevalence of ticks will likely expand, posing an increasing risk to human populations. Proactive measures, including public education, medical training, and vector control, are essential to mitigating this escalating threat.