Lyme disease surveillance in Canada: Annual edition 2018 (infographic)

What is the risk?

• Lyme disease is the most frequently reported vector-borne disease in Canada.
• The greatest risk of acquiring Lyme disease occurs in regions where populations of ticks carrying the bacteria, Borellia burgdorferi, have become established.

Who's at greater risk?

• Children aged 5-14 years
• Adults aged 60-74 years
• People with occupational and recreational exposures are at greater risk of acquiring Lyme disease

How to manage?

• Most cases of Lyme disease can be effectively treated with 2 to 4 weeks of antibiotics if diagnosed early.

Facts reported in 2018

Reported in 2018:

• 1,487 cases of Lyme disease were reported, of which, 71% were confirmed cases and 29% probable cases
• 58% cases were males
• 42% cases were females

Geographic distribution of reported cases

Cases reported by Alberta, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland & Labrador were travel-related only. 8% of reported cases were likely infected during travel in the USA or Europe.

Seasonality

• 31% of cases reported illness onset in July
• 95% of the cases occurred from May through November

Public health recommendations: Tips to avoid tick bites

Protecting yourself when doing outdoor activity:

• cover exposed skin
• use insect repellent

Reducing risk:

• do a full-body check for ticks after each outdoor activity
• remove ticks using clean, fine-tipped tweezers

Related links

• Lyme disease surveillance in Canada: Annual edition 2018