Lyme-disease carrying ticks expand reach in Manitoba

Blacklegged ticks, which may carry Lyme disease, are making their way further north and west in Manitoba, according to provincial officials.

On Friday, officials warned the disease-transmitting insects are expanding their reach in Manitoba.

Lyme disease risk areas are now as far north as Teulon and as far west as Turtle Mountain Provincial Park.

Blacklegged ticks are most often found in and along the edge of forests where there are thick, woody shrubs and other plants.

The province recommends minimizing exposure by using tick repellant, inspecting yourself or kids after spending time outdoors, removing ticks as soon as possible, staying on walking trails and wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts.

Keeping grass and shrubs around your house trimmed can also help, officials said.

Symptoms of Lyme disease can start anywhere from three days to one month after a bite. They usually start with an expanding rash that then fades. Symptoms can include headache, a stiff neck, muscle aches or fatigue, fever, chills and swollen lymph nodes.

So far, there have been 11 confirmed and probable cases of Lyme disease in Manitoba this year.