You only have a couple of months left to submit a tick to the Health Unit for laboratory testing.
Effective January 1, 2025, you will be asked to use online tools to assess the risk of tick-borne disease transmission.
"This decision comes as part of the Health Unit’s efforts to make tick identification more efficient for the public," says a news release. "Currently, testing through a private lab is a lengthy process and often means delays in timely information that may determine whether an individual seeks medical information."
During the transition phase, the Health Unit is encouraging you to become familiar with etick.ca and a Tick bites and Lyme disease risk tool.
See: Nine-year-old becomes sick from rare tick-borne Powassan Virus
And: You're at risk of developing Lyme disease as tick population grows
"The eTick website allows individuals to submit photos of ticks and have their species identified by a professional within 48 hours. The risk tool will help individuals assess the risk of Lyme disease transmission and provide recommendations on whether a healthcare visit is necessary after a tick is found on them. Both tools can be accessed through the Health Unit website at myhealthunit.ca/ticks. Individuals with concerns regarding potential Lyme disease transmission are advised to speak with a healthcare provider promptly."
If you wish to receive laboratory results for a tick submission before January 1, 2025, you can do so by carefully placing the tick in a container and dropping it off at the Health Unit’s North Bay location or Parry Sound location.
