Roughly one third of ticks submitted to Toronto Public Health last year tested positive for the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, according to a recent statement by a city health official. When caught early, doctors can prescribe antibiotics for treatment of Lyme disease, which are generally an effective treatment. It takes about 24 to 36 hours for transmission of the bacteria to actually cause Lyme disease. The Toronto Public Health press release reminds people to check the entire body and head for ticks after spending time in wooded areas. “In Ontario blacklegged ticks and Lyme disease has been spreading from upper New York state through eastern Ontario and westward from there,” Shapiro said.

Source: National Post May 11, 2016 12:41 UTC