Health·Feature

Infographic: How to protect yourself against Lyme disease

Lyme disease is caused by a type of bacteria transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick — and the number of cases in Canada are on the rise.

Take precaution when you head outdoors and check yourself and your pets when you get home

There is an alarming rise in Lyme disease cases in Canada, according to public health officials.

If detected early, the disease is easy to treat. Left untreated, it can result in facial palsy, meningitis, heart problems, nerve damage and inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

The easiest way to deal with Lyme disease is to protect yourself when going into areas where ticks live, such as woodlands or where there are leaves or tall grass on the ground.

What can you do? This infographic provides some tips to stay tick-free. 

Sources: Public Health Agency of Canada, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Health Canada and Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation (CBC)