Manitoulin Island dog tests positive for Lyme disease

Lyme disease tick, illustration. Ticks (superfamily Ixodoidea) are external parasites that feed on human and animal blood. Their bite can transmit a number of diseases including Lyme disease, which is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. (Kateryna Kon/Science Photo Library/GettyImages)

A dog in Wiikwemkoong First Nation has recently tested positive for Lyme disease, prompting officials at the Naandwechige-Gamig Wikwemikong Health Centre to remind residents to take precautions against tick bites.

“While Lyme disease is primarily transmitted through tick bites, we want to ensure everyone is aware and can take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their pets,” said Band officials in a social media post.

Symptoms in dogs include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, lameness or joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes. In humans, symptoms may include fever, fatigue, headache, stiff neck, muscle aches, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, and a bullseye-shaped rash at the site of infection or around a tick bite.

Officials recommend checking pets regularly for ticks, consulting veterinarians about tick prevention, wearing protective clothing outdoors, and using insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin.

“We appreciate your attention to this important matter and encourage you to take the necessary steps to protect yourselves and your pets,” said officials with the First Nation community.

For more information on the disease, Naandwechige-Gamig advised area residents to visit the Public Health Sudbury & Districts website.