Ottawa Public Health is reminding people to take steps to minimize exposure to blacklegged ticks while outdoors this summer, with the highest rates of Lyme disease occurring among people who live in the city’s west end. As of July 20, 118 Ottawa residents have been diagnosed with Lyme disease this year. In 2025, 441 Ottawa residents were diagnosed with Lyme disease. Ottawa and eastern Ontario are a known risk area for Lyme disease caused by a bite from blacklegged ticks. Wooded areas or areas with tall grass are suitable outdoor areas suitable for ticks. “Although ticks carrying the bacteria that causes Lyme disease can occur anywhere in Ottawa, the highest rates of Lyme disease occur among people who live in the west of Ottawa,” Ottawa Public Health said in a statement to CTV News Ottawa. “Exposure is commonly associated with spending time outdoors at a private home in Ottawa or camping/cottaging in neighbouring regions southwest of Ottawa (e.g., Perth, Westport, Murphy’s Point Provincial Park, Kingston).” Ottawa Public Health offers the following tips to protect yourself from tick bites: The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) is also reminding people to take simple measures to prevent tick and mosquito bites. “The EOHU region is a known risk area for Lyme disease caused by the bite of blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks,” the health unit said. “In addition to Lyme disease, ticks in the area have also tested positive for anaplasmosis, babesiosis and Powassan virus in recent years. While these diseases are less common than Lyme disease, they also have the potential to cause serious illness.” In addition to wearing insect repellent, the Eastern Ontario Health Unit urges people to wear long sleeves, long pants, socks and closed-toe shoes while spending time outdoors and wear light-coloured clothing to make ticks easier to spot. “If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it as soon as possible,” the health unit said in a statement on Wednesday. “If you believe it may have been attached for 24 hours or longer, or if you develop flu-like symptoms or an unusual rash in the days or weeks after a tick bite, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Early treatment for Lyme disease is highly effective. “
