Southeast Mississauga has the highest risk in Peel for black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks, that cause Lyme disease, says Dr. Jessica Hopkins, the Region’s Medical Officer of Health.

“We recommend all people take protective measures,” Hopkins told regional council at the May 24 meeting. However, the risk of acquiring Lyme disease in Peel remains low.

Lyme disease is an illness caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, which is transmitted to ticks when they feed on infected animals. People are infected if they are exposed to ticks for a prolonged period of time (at least 24 hours).

The first symptom is usually a circular rash that appears in 70 to 80 per cent of people infected with Lyme disease, according to a report to Peel regional council. Other symptoms of early Lyme disease include: fatigue, chills, fever, headaches, muscle and joint pain and swollen lymph nodes.

If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause nervous system disorders, multiple skin rashes, arthritis symptoms, heart arrhythmias, severe fatigue and general weakness.

Mississauga Coun. Pat Saito drew council’s attention to the report on Lyme disease after learning the Public Health Agency of Canada is warning people about a “heightened risk” for ticks that cause the disease this year.

“Ticks have been really, really bad already,” Saito added.

In Ontario, the risk for Lyme disease infection is highest in areas where the tick species has established populations, including parts of southern and eastern Ontario.

The report to council says an established black-legged tick population has not been found in Peel to date, although sporadic Lyme disease positive black-legged ticks are being found throughout Peel. Southeastern Mississauga falls within a 20 kilometres radius for a known established tick population.

Sporadic findings of black-legged ticks are not uncommon because they can be carried to different locations by migrating birds, in particularly song birds that feed off the grounds. Since these birds are migratory, there is the potential for new populations of black-legged ticks to spread across the province.