Lyme disease

Outdoor workers are more at risk of being exposed to parasites, bacteria and viruses spread by ticks, as well as tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease. Ticks live in tall grass and wooded areas and are usually active from April through November. Although ticks are most active during the summer months, they may remain until temperatures are steadily below 4°C.

It is important to know how to protect yourself from tick bites and how to spot the signs and symptoms of tick-borne diseases.

Workers at potential risk of exposure to ticks include, but are not limited to, those in construction, landscaping, farming, forestry, railroad work, oil field work, utility line work, brush clearing, land surveying and park or wildlife management.

To protect yourself and your workers from tick bites:

• wear light coloured clothing, tuck your shirt into your pants and tuck your pants into your boots or socks
• use an appropriate insect repellent
• take a shower as soon as you can after working outdoors
• look for ticks on your body ― ticks are often found on the legs, thighs, back, arms, underarms, groin, behind the ears and above the hairline
• use a path or trail to reduce potential exposure to ticks

If a tick bites you or your workers, the most important thing is to make sure that you remove all of the tick, including the mouth parts that are buried in your skin. Refrain from squeezing the body of the tick when it is removed as this can force its stomach contents into the wound and increase the chance of infection. If you have been bitten, inform your supervisor. Keep track of any signs and symptoms in the weeks following a tick bite. A photo of the tick can be submitted to etick.ca.

Signs and symptoms of Lyme disease may include (but are not limited to):

• fever
• headache
• muscle and joint pain
• fatigue
• skin rash
• swollen lymph nodes

For more information on preventing tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease, visit the Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living website by clicking here.

See a short video on Lyme disease from the Government of Canada by clicking here.