No tick testing in Haldimand, Hamilton

If you find a tick on yourself or a loved one this summer, it likely won't get tested - regardless of whether you live in Hamilton or Haldimand.

James Berry, communications officer with Hamilton, said in an email that, Due to COVID-19, City of Hamilton Public Health Services is not currently collecting ticks for testing."

He also noted, Tick testing is not used for diagnostic purposes, only for surveillance."

Blacklegged ticks, commonly referred to as deer ticks, can transmit a bacterial infection that causes Lyme disease in humans and pets.

While Hamilton is identified as a risk area, the overall risk of human infection from Lyme disease in Hamilton remains low," Berry said.

It's a different story in Haldimand and Norfolk, where the region is considered endemic for Lyme, said health unit epidemiologist Dr. Kate Bishop-Williams during a media call on June 28.

Not because of the pandemic so much, but just because of the presence of Lyme in our region, we actually don't typically conduct Lyme testing anymore," she said.

Dr. Alex Hukowich, the Haldimand Norfolk Health Unit's chief medical officer of health, added, When you know is something is already here and in large measure, then it doesn't make a great deal of sense spending time deciding whether the virus is here. I think it's much more important that people check themselves if they're out, and their children in particular."

He said ticks don't spread the virus immediately into their hosts, which is why regular bodychecks after being outside - particularly in wooded, marshy or tall grass areas, where ticks are more likely to be found - is so important.

The City of Hamilton's website recommends keeping the acronym WHAT in mind when doing bodychecks: waistline, hair, armpits and toes. The website also urges residents to check the groin and knees, too.

The sooner that a tick is noted and removed, the less risk of transmission of infection," Hukowich said.

Both municipalities' public health units urge residents to protect themselves by wearing long-sleeved, light-coloured shirts and pants when going into areas where ticks might be. Also, wear socks and close-toed shoes, and tuck your pants into your socks.

Residents can use a tick repellent that contains DEET or icaridin, bt be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application.

Berry noted, Any potential exposure to a deer tick should be reported to a health care professional," to discuss possible next steps.