Southeast Public Health says it’s still important to take steps to prevent bites from ticks and mosquitoes this fall.
SPH, which includes Bancroft and Hastings County in its coverage area, says in a media release they have seen cases of West Nile virus, a disease that is transmitted through bites from infected mosquitoes.
The region is also a high-activity area for blacklegged ticks, which can carry bacteria that cause health conditions including Lyme disease.
As the weather gets colder, health officials say there will be fewer mosquitoes, but ticks can be found at any time of the year when the temperature is above freezing.
Residents should continue taking precautions to prevent mosquito and tick bites throughout the fall to protect themselves and their families against vector-borne diseases.
Tips include a full-body check for ticks after being outdoors or at least once-per-day and promptly removing any attached ticks, using Health Canada-approved insect repellents containing DEET and showering within two hours of returning indoors to remove loosely attached ticks.
