WINDSOR

First human case of Lyme disease diagnosed in Windsor-Essex this year

CTV Windsor Published Friday, July 17, 2015 9:45AM EDT

The blacklegged tick, I. pacificus, depicted here, is a known vector for the zoonotic spirochetal bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which is the pathogen responsible for causing Lyme disease. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

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The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit says they’ve encountered the first human case of Lyme disease this year.

A Windsor-Essex County resident has tested positive for the disease – the first clinically diagnosed human case for the region in 2015.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread through the bite of a blacklegged deer tick. These ticks are a crawling, non-flying insect that feed on blood.

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Gary Kirk is reminding area residents to protect themselves and their family against ticks when going outdoors.

Kirk advises residents to read up on how to reduce the risk of being bitten by a tick and what to do if bitten.