How is Lyme disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis should be made in consultation with a infectious disease specialist, and is usually based on the overall clinical picture which would include:
- Symptoms exhibited
- History of exposure to ticks
- Serological data
Tests for Lyme disease are not always certain and sometimes negative results are presented in cases where the disease is actually present. False positives may also occur, therefore diagnosis and treatment should be based on clinical findings.
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What is the treatment for Lyme disease?
Lyme disease can be successfully treated with antibiotics, especially in the earlier stages. This prevents the progression of the disease and the development of complications.
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How do I protect myself from Lyme disease?
The most common tick that people will encounter in Manitoba is the wood tick. The wood tick is not considered an effective vector of the disease as opposed to the blacklegged tick. Although the black legged tick is considered uncommon both types of ticks can be found along trail margins in tall grass, as well as wooded areas. Adult blacklegged ticks are most active in the spring and fall.
Tips to Prevent Lyme Disease:
- When walking in wooded or grassy areas, wear shoes, long pants tucked into socks, and long sleeved shirts.
- Wear light colored clothing to make it easier to spot ticks crawling on you.
- Keep to the middle of the trail instead of trail margin where ticks will be more numerous.
- Do your best to tick proof your yard by keeping your grass cut and clearing away brush and leaves.
- Use spray repellants containing DEET on your clothes and exposed skin.
- Finally, inspect yourself and your children as well as pets when you have been in areas containing ticks.
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If the tick is attached to your skin use tweezers and gently grasp it near the head or mouth at a 90 degree angle to your skin, pulling gently and making sure not to crush or twist the tick. After thoroughly washing the area with soap and water apply an antiseptic to the bite. Make a note of the date and location of the bite on a calendar. If you should develop a rash or other symptoms of Lyme disease see your doctor.
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How can I help in the study of Lyme disease?
If you suspect that you have a blacklegged tick, and you want to contribute to research on Lyme disease in Manitoba, a service is available to have the collected tick identified. When possible, ticks should be sent to provincial collaborators who will identify the tick and then forward only the blacklegged ticks to the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML). The NML will conduct diagnostic testing for the Lyme disease agent as well as several other disease-causing agents. Ticks can be submitted to Dr. Terry Galloway at:
Dr. Terry Galloway
University of Manitoba
Animal Science Building - Entomology Room 212A
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Phone: (204) 474-6024
Email: terry_galloway@umanitoba.ca
Further information and Submission Forms can be found at the Public Health Agency of Canada website.
You can also drop off specimens to the Insect Control Branch at 1539 Waverley Street and we will forward them to National Microbiology Laboratory.
Ticks submitted for testing should be placed in a pill bottle or film canister with a taped lid and a piece of moist towelette inserted. The moisture will help to keep the tick alive and aid in the identification of the pathogen. Do not immerse the tick in alcohol. If mailing, place the container in two sealed plastic bags, and then a cardboard box. (Do not use glass). Include with the package: your name; telephone number; and information as to where, when, and on whom (e.g. dog, person) the tick was found. The box should be wrapped in mailing paper and labeled “Research Specimens-Fragile-Handle with Care”.
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