Lyme Disease: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention in Canada

Lyme disease is a tick-borne bacterial infection that can affect humans if they are bitten by an infected tick. While not everyone bitten by a tick develops Lyme disease, early recognition and treatment are critical to prevent long-term complications.

In Canada, Lyme disease is becoming more common, especially in wooded, grassy, and rural areas.

What Causes Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia bacteria, which are transmitted through the bite of infected ticks.

Ticks known to spread Lyme disease in Canada include:

• Black-legged (deer) ticks
• Western black-legged ticks

In most cases, the bacteria are not transmitted unless the tick remains attached for at least 36 hours. This is why early tick removal is essential.

If a tick is embedded and cannot be safely removed, medical care should be sought.

Signs and Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Symptoms may appear 3 days to 1 month after a tick bite, and some people may not remember being bitten.

Early Symptoms

• A round or expanding red rash at the bite site (often described as a “bull’s-eye” rash)

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Fever or chills

• Muscle and joint aches

Not everyone develops a rash, which can delay diagnosis.

Advanced Symptoms (If Untreated)

If Lyme disease is not treated promptly, more serious symptoms may develop weeks or months later, including:

• Joint pain and swelling (especially knees)
• Persistent fatigue
• Tingling or numbness in hands, feet, or back
• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
• Facial muscle weakness or paralysis (Bell’s palsy)

These complications highlight why early treatment is essential.

Treatment for Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics, which are highly effective when started early.

• Most people recover fully within 2–3 weeks of treatment
• Delayed treatment increases the risk of long-term complications affecting joints, nerves, and the heart

Anyone with symptoms or a suspected tick bite should consult a healthcare professional promptly.

Preventing Lyme Disease

Prevention is the most effective defence, especially for Canadians who spend time outdoors.

Recommended prevention measures:

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants in wooded or grassy areas
• Tuck pants into socks
• Choose light-coloured clothing to spot ticks easily
• Use insect repellent containing DEET
• Perform full body tick checks after outdoor activities
• Check pets for ticks after being outdoors

First Aid Education and Tick Awareness

First aid training, particularly advanced and intermediate first aid courses, teaches:

• How to recognize early signs of tick-borne illness
• Safe tick removal techniques
• When medical attention is needed
• How to reduce risk during outdoor activities

These skills are especially important for outdoor workers, parents, and caregivers across Canada.

Educational Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. First aid training helps individuals recognize risks and respond appropriately.