Ticks found in Morningside Park and on Algonquin Island are being tested for Lyme disease, Toronto Public Health said Tuesday.

Morningside Park is in the city's east end, near the border with Pickering. Algonquin Island is part of the Toronto Island group of parks, across the harbour from the city's downtown.

The Blacklegged ticks can be found in tall grass and wooded areas and often latch on to campers and hikers, with potentially serious health effects.

Public Health also recently tested for ticks in the Rouge Valley, confirming that some did, in fact, carry the disease.

Health officials say the number of people with Lyme Disease has gone up. In 2009 there were 128 cases in Canada. By 2013, that figure jumped to 682.

That amounts to "five times the number of cases in four years," David Sugarman, a senior researcher at the Ontario Science Centre, told CBC.

"That's a significant increase and there may be some cases not even reported," he said.

The challenge for the medical community is that the disease, which brings painful joint pain, can be hard to pinpoint since it mimics other illnesses.

For years, Paige Spencer was misdiagnosed, being told she had Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus.

Finally, two years ago was told she had Lyme Disease.

"I seriously thought I was dying," she said.

"I take 70 pills a day. I take up to six needles a day. I do IV bags all week," she said, explaining her colour-coded schedule for treatment.

Experts say people should check for ticks after outdoor activities like walking the dog and mowing the lawn.

They also suggest wearing long sleeves and pants and other light-coloured clothing.

Spencer is hoping her story will help encourage others to protect themselves.

"Take that five minutes," she said. "It's better than five years of treatment and living in hell."

"There are ticks everywhere," said Sugarman.

"Even if you're out golfing, your ball lands in the rough, you could pick up a tick," he said.

Among the worst regions in Ontario are Kingston, Turkey Point Provincial Park south of Brantford, Point Pelee National Park near Leamington, and Port Colbourne.