Ticks are present in Kamloops and the rest of British Columbia. inside

With the approach of snowmelt and outdoor activities, Interior Health reminds residents to check for the absence of ticks.

Ticks are small insects, the size of a sesame seed, which feed on human and animal blood and sometimes transmit diseases.

Ticks are widespread throughout British Columbia. Interior and are usually found in tall grbades and wooded areas. They are easier to spot on a person or a pet when they are sucking blood.

Ticks partially sink into the skin, bite, suck blood, and then drop. The mouth of the tick being fed will be under the skin, but the posterior parts will protrude. When they are full of blood, they are usually blue-gray in color. This is what is called a congested tick.

Fever, headache, muscle aches and rashes are the general symptoms of tick-borne infections.

The most common tick species found in the Internal Health region, particularly in Kamloops, are wood ticks (Dermacentor andersoni). Wood ticks do not carry the Lyme disease bacteria; However, they can be carriers of other diseases, such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Ixodes ticks (Ixodes pacificus or Ixodes angustus) are the species that transmit Lyme disease. They are more common throughout British Columbia, but may be present in some areas of internal health.

Although less than 1% of Ixodes in BC carry Lyme disease, it is important to recognize the symptoms.

In addition to fever, headaches, and muscle aches, people with Lyme disease often develop a lens-like rash that develops from the tick bite site.

Some ticks can release toxins that can cause temporary muscle weakness and paralysis if they remain attached for several days. Once the tick is removed, the symptoms fade.

What to do

It is important to remove ticks found on people and pets. To do this, wear gloves and use tweezers to gently grasp the tick near the skin. Pull the tick straight without tightening it. After removing it, clean the area with soap and water.

If the tick is alive (live ticks can be tested for Lyme disease), you can keep it in a sealed container with a cotton ball soaked in water. Note the date of the bite on the container.

If you have any concerns or need help getting rid of a tick, contact your doctor or go to a medical clinic without an appointment.

Although most tick bites are harmless, it is important to watch for signs of illness and consult a doctor as soon as possible if you notice an eye rash or other symptoms. If you have registered the tick, bring it to your medical appointment.

A number of precautions can be taken to prevent tick bites and tick-related diseases. For example, you should:

• walk on open trails in tall grbades or wooded areas;

• Cover yourself wearing a hat, long sleeves and trousers;

• Wear light colored clothing to help locate ticks easily;

• Place the legs of the pants in socks or boots;

• Apply an insect repellent containing DEET on uncoated skin;

• Check clothing and scalp (covered or uncovered) when leaving an area where ticks may live. Ask someone to help check out hard-to-reach areas;

• take a shower after returning from areas where ticks can live;

• Regularly check pets for ticks.

To help keep ticks away from your home and garden, you can:

• Keep your lawn short and remove all fallen leaves and weeds.

• Keep a buffer zone, such as a border of wood chips or gravel, between your lawn and wooded areas or stone walls. Any play equipment or play area must be kept clear of wooded areas;

• Cut tree branches to allow more sun in your garden;

• Keep stacks of wood and bird feeders away from home.

• Expand and maintain trails on your property.

For more information, visit the HealthLinkBC tick bites page here.