The Windsor Essex County Health Unit is urging caution as people enjoy the outdoors this summer after 17 cases of Lyme disease were confirmed in the region last year.
That's the highest number of confirmed cases in the last 10 years.
"Stick to the centre of the trails, avoid the long grassy areas, use insect repellent with deet, wear bright coloured clothing, wear long sleeves shirts and long pants, tuck your pants into you socks," recommends Elaine Bennett, environmental health manager with the health unit.
The health unit also recommends that if you find a tick on your body, do not dispose of it. Keep it in a sealed container with a damp paper towel and contact your health care provider for further instructions.
"When the tick is embedded in the body for over 24 hours, there's a higher risk that the bacteria that cause Lyme disease will enter the body. So we do recommend individuals seek medical attention so that the doctor can make an assessment," said Bennett.
The health unit conducts tick surveillance at four area locations to assess the tick population each year. It no longer accepts ticks from the public for identification and testing.
Free tick assessments are also available at https://www.etick.ca/