Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it’s actively reshaping our health landscape. Public health officials are raising alarms about a significant increase in tick-borne illnesses, including the well-known Lyme disease and a host of emerging threats. The culprit? A warming climate that’s expanding the habitat and activity periods of ticks across the nation.
“Climate change in Canada is happening at a much more accelerated rate than we see in parts of the rest of the world,” explained Heather Coatsworth, chief of field studies at the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg. This rapid warming is creating ideal conditions for ticks to thrive and spread.
The blacklegged tick, the primary vector for Lyme disease and other pathogens, was once largely confined to Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia. However, it’s now establishing itself in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. This expansion is directly linked to milder winters and longer summers, which allow ticks to survive and reproduce in areas that were previously too cold. The implications are far-reaching, demanding increased awareness and preparedness from both the public and healthcare providers.
Janet Sperling, president of the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation, underscores the urgent need for updated medical training: “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.’” This outdated information can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, potentially causing long-term health complications. The **medical community must adapt** to the changing reality of tick-borne diseases.
The numbers paint a stark picture. In 2009, when provincial public health units began monitoring Lyme disease, they reported 144 cases nationwide. Preliminary data for 2024 reveals a staggering 5,239 cases. And experts believe this is just the tip of the iceberg, as many infections go undiagnosed due to the general nature of early symptoms. Indeed, it may require years of suffering to have a diagnosis of “Lyme” when the infection has had time to progress into a chronic state.
That increased burden is expected to rapidly accelerate.
- **Lyme Disease:** Cases have increased dramatically since 2009.
- **Anaplasmosis:** Emerging as a significant threat, with over 700 cases reported last year.
- **Babesiosis:** Can cause anemia and Lyme-like symptoms.
- **Powassan Virus:** Potentially leading to serious neurological complications.
The surge in tick-borne illnesses doesn’t mean we should retreat indoors. Instead, it requires a proactive approach to prevention. “There was a sense of unfolding,” said one resident of rural Manitoba, describing the growing awareness of tick risks in her community. Hikers, gardeners, and even those spending time in their backyards must take precautions.
Simple measures can significantly reduce the risk of tick bites:
* Wear long sleeves and pants when possible, especially in wooded or grassy areas.
* Use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin.
* Stick to the center of trails when hiking to avoid contact with foliage.
* Perform thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors.
* Wash and dry clothing on high heat to kill any hidden ticks.
Dr. Curtis Russell, a vector-borne disease specialist at Public Health Ontario, emphasizes 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.” Using fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull it straight out. Avoid twisting or crushing the tick.
While Lyme disease is the most well-known tick-borne illness, others are on the rise. Anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus are all transmitted by blacklegged ticks and can cause a range of symptoms, from fever and fatigue to severe neurological problems.
One of the biggest challenges in combating tick-borne diseases is diagnosis. Many of the symptoms mimic other common ailments, making it difficult for healthcare providers to identify and treat these infections promptly. Furthermore, some tick-borne diseases, like Powassan virus, lack specific treatments, requiring supportive care to manage symptoms. It should also be noted that **Lyme disease, if left untreated**, or treated late can result in lifelong symptoms and a vastly decreased quality of life.
Early detection and appropriate treatment are crucial for preventing long-term health problems. If you develop symptoms after a tick bite, see a healthcare provider and inform them of your potential exposure. You can also submit a photo of the tick to etick.ca for identification and risk assessment.
The rising threat of tick-borne illnesses is a clear sign of the tangible impacts of climate change on our health. Addressing this challenge requires a multi-faceted approach, including increased public awareness, improved medical training, and proactive prevention strategies. As the climate continues to change, we must adapt and work together to protect ourselves from these emerging health risks. Indeed, a good start would be for the public to implore their political leaders to combat cilmate change and global warming with greater urgency.
Posts on X.com and Facebook show the anxiety and urgency of information requests:
> “Anyone else finding a ton of ticks this year? Found three on my dog after a short walk!” –@OutdoorLover77 on X.com
> “Is there a reliable Lyme disease support group in my area? Dealing with post-treatment Lyme syndrome and feeling lost.” –Facebook comment from SarahM22
The growing prevalence of tick-borne illnesses highlights the urgent need for **comprehensive public health strategies**. As climate change continues, we must remain vigilant and adaptable to protect ourselves and our communities from these evolving threats. This is no longer just a rural problem; it’s a national concern that demands our attention.
The current situation is a call to arms. We can’t afford to ignore the interconnectedness of our environment and our health. The time to act is now, before the consequences become even more severe.