To: CCH – Communities, Sport & Recreation Division
Recreation Nova Scotia
Sport Nova Scotia
Provincial Recreation Organizations
Provincial Sport Organizations
From: Robin Norrie, Manager of Recreation – CCH
Re: Outdoor Recreation and Tick Awareness
Date: June 27, 2017
As promoters of recreation/ outdoor recreation and encouraging people to re-connect with nature and deliverers and managers of outdoor events, programs and facilities including camps, trails, sport fields, etc , we need to be mindful of the fact that some barriers to this include fear of and potential for ticks and tick bites. Incidents and reported cases are up significantly in Nova Scotia in the last five years. (see map below)
According to Department of Health & Wellness (DHW) information, there are several things that can be done to reduce this risk and thus reduce the fear that can become a barrier to people getting outside.
We are sharing this information with you now so that you may circulate and share within your networks.
According to the DHW news release in May 2017, Tick checks are the most important defense against the spread of tick-borne illness. (https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20170518005 )
To avoid ticks take the following precautions when in areas with long grass, shrubs or woods:
-- wear light coloured, long-sleeved shirts, pants and socks so ticks are more visible
-- wear enclosed shoes
-- pull socks up over pant legs and tuck in shirts
-- spray clothing and exposed skin with an insect repellant containing DEET or Icaridin
-- check clothing and exposed skin for ticks after working or playing outside and remove any ticks attached to the skin
-- check pets thoroughly for ticks after spending time outside
-- when possible, take a bath or shower within two hours of coming indoors. This makes it easier to find ticks and washes away loose ones
-- keep grass well cut to minimize suitable habitat for ticks on your property.
Remove ticks as soon as they are found to prevent or reduce the risk of infection. For more information about ticks and how to treat tick bites please visit:
For more information, visit http://novascotia.ca/dhw/CDPC/lyme.asp
The website also provides accurate information about ticks and tick-borne diseases, appropriate prevention measures, a short video and links to resources (brochures, posters) that can be used.
Link to information pamphlet: http://www.novascotia.ca/dhw/cdpc/documents/06037_lymedisease_pamphlet_en.pdf
Also here is the link to contact information for all Public Health Offices throughout the province.
http://www.nshealth.ca/public-health-offices (also see full list below)
We hope that you find this information helpful. If you have additional questions, please contact your local Public Health office.
News release:
Nova Scotians Reminded to be Tick-aware
Department of Health and Wellness
May 18, 2017 12:34 PM0
Nova Scotians are encouraged to enjoy the outdoors safely by learning to avoid the blacklegged tick bites that can cause Lyme disease.
Blacklegged ticks are found throughout Nova Scotia. Tick checks are the most important defence against the spread of tick-borne illness.
To avoid ticks take the following precautions when in areas with long grass, shrubs or woods:
-- wear light coloured, long-sleeved shirts, pants and socks so ticks are more visible
-- wear enclosed shoes
-- pull socks up over pant legs and tuck in shirts
-- spray clothing and exposed skin with an insect repellant containing DEET or Icaridin
-- check clothing and exposed skin for ticks after working or playing outside and remove any ticks attached to the skin
-- check pets thoroughly for ticks after spending time outside
-- when possible, take a bath or shower within two hours of coming indoors. This makes it easier to find ticks and washes away loose ones
-- keep grass well cut to minimize suitable habitat for ticks on your property.
Remove ticks as soon as they are found to prevent or reduce the risk of infection. To remove a tick safely carefully grasp it with tweezers. Get as close to the skin as possible. Gently and slowly pull the tick straight out. Do not jerk, twist or squeeze it. Wash the site with soap and water. Disinfect with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to avoid other infections.
Blacklegged ticks must be attached to the skin for at least 36 hours to transmit the bacterial infection that causes Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is treatable with antibiotics. The earliest and most common symptom of Lyme disease is a bullseye rash at the site of the bite, although the rash is not always in this shape. Other symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle aches and headaches. Anyone who has been in areas with long grass, shrubs or woods and has these symptoms should seek medical attention.
For more information, visit http://novascotia.ca/dhw/CDPC/lyme.asp.
Public Health Offices in Nova Scotia
If you have additional questions, please contact your local Public Health office.
Amherst
18 South Albion Street
Amherst, NS B4H 2V5
Canada
Phone: (902) 667-3319, (800) 767-3319
Fax: (902) 667-2273
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Annapolis Royal
Annapolis Community Health Centre
821 St. George Street
Annapolis Royal, NS B0S 1A0
Canada
Phone: (902) 532-0490
Fax: (902) 532-2113
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Antigonish
23 Bay Street, Suite 2N
Antigonish, NS B2G 2G7
Canada
Phone: (902) 867-4500 x4800
Fax: (902) 863-7476
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Baddeck
Victoria County Memorial Hospital
30 Old Margaree Road
Baddeck, NS B0E 1B0
Canada
Phone: (902) 295-2178
Fax: (902) 295-3822
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Barrington Passage
3695 Highway 3
Barrington Passage, NS B0W 1G0
Canada
Phone: (902) 637-2430
Fax: (902) 637-3358
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Berwick
Western Kings Memorial Health Centre
121 Orchard Street
Berwick, NS B0P 1E0
Canada
Phone: (902) 538-3700
Fax: (902) 538-0770
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Bridgewater
215 Dominion Street Suite 200
Bridgewater, NS B4V 2K7
Canada
Phone: (902) 543-0850
Fax: (902) 543-8024
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Canso
Eastern Memorial Hospital
1746 Union Street
Canso, NS B0H 1H0
Canada
Phone: (902) 366-2925
Fax: (902) 366-2900
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Chester
3769 Hwy 3
Chester, NS B0J 1J0
Canada
Phone: (902) 275-3581
Fax: (902) 275-1337
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Cheticamp
Sacred Heart Community Health Centre
15102 Cabot Trail
Cheticamp, NS B0E 1H0
Canada
Phone: (902) 224-2410
Fax: (902) 224-2903
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Dartmouth
7 Mellor Ave, Unit 5
Dartmouth, NS B3B 0E8
Canada
Phone: (800) 430-9557, (902) 481-5800
Fax: (902) 481-8928
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Digby
Digby General Hospital
75 Warwick Street 1st Floor
Digby, NS B0V 1A0
Canada
Phone: (902) 245-2557
Fax: (902) 245-1302
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Elmsdale
15 Commerce Court
Suite 150
Elmsdale, NS B2S 3K5
Canada
Phone: (902) 883-3500
Fax: (902) 883-3400
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Glace Bay
Senator’s Place
633 Main Street, Ground Floor
Glace Bay, NS B1A 6J3
Canada
Phone: (902) 842-4050
Fax: (902) 842-4004
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Guysborough
Guysborough Hospital
10506 Highway 16
Guysborough, NS B0H 1N0
Canada
Phone: (902) 533-3502
Fax: (902) 533-2167
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Inverness
Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital
39 James Street
Inverness, NS B0E 1N0
Canada
Phone: (902) 258-1920
Fax: (902) 258-2721
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Liverpool
Queen’s General Hospital
175 School Street
Liverpool, NS B0T 1K0
Canada
Phone: (902) 354-5737
Fax: (902) 354-5702
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Lunenburg
250 Green Street
Lunenburg, NS B0J 2C0
Canada
Phone: (902) 634-4014
Fax: (902) 634-7024
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Meteghan Centre
Clare Health Centre
8559 Highway 1
Meteghan Centre, NS B0W 2J0
Canada
Phone: (902) 645-2325
Fax: (902) 645-3356
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Middleton
Soldier’s Memorial Hospital
462 Main Street
Middleton, NS B0S 1P0
Canada
Phone: (902) 825-3385
Fax: (902) 825-5118
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Neil’s Harbour
Buchanan Memorial Community Health Centre
32610 Cabot Trail
Neil's Harbour, NS B0C 1N0
Canada
Phone: (902) 336-2295
Fax: (902) 336-2202
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New Germany
New Germany and Area Medical Centre
100 Varner Road
New Germany, NS B0R 1E0
Canada
Phone: (902) 644-2710
Fax: (902) 644-2710
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New Glasgow
Community Health Centre
690 East River Road
New Glasgow, NS B2H 3S1
Canada
Phone: (902) 752-5151
Fax: (902) 755-7175
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New Waterford
New Waterford Consolidated Hospital
716 King Street
New Waterford, NS B1H 3Z5
Canada
Phone: (902) 862-2204
Fax: (902) 862-3155
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Port Hawkesbury
708 Reeves Street, Unit 3
Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 2S1
Canada
Phone: (902) 625-1693
Fax: (902) 625-4091
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Sheet Harbour
Eastern Shore Memorial Hospital
22637 Highway 7
Sheet Harbour, NS B0J 3B0
Canada
Phone: (902) 885-2470
Fax: (902) 885-4017
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Shelburne
Roseway Hospital
1606 Lake Road
Shelburne, NS B0T 1W0
Canada
Phone: (902) 875-2623
Fax: (902) 875-4502
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Sydney
235 Townsend Street
2nd Floor
Sydney, NS B1P 5E7
Canada
Phone: (902) 563-2400
Fax: (902) 563-0508
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Sydney Mines
7 Fraser Avenue
Sydney Mines, NS B1V 2B8
Canada
Phone: (902) 736-6245
Fax: (902) 736-7909
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Truro
Colchester East Hants Health Centre
600 Abenaki Road Level 1/Wing B
Truro, NS B2N 0C4
Canada
Phone: (902) 893-5820
Fax: (902) 893-5839
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Windsor
Hants Community Hospital
89 Payzant Drive
Windsor, NS B0N 2T0
Canada
Phone: (902) 798-2264
Fax: (902) 798-5922
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Wolfville
Eastern Kings Memorial Community Health Centre
23 Earnscliffe Avenue
Wolfville, NS B4P 1X4
Canada
Phone: (902) 542-6310
Fax: (902) 542-6333
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Yarmouth
Yarmouth Regional Hospital
60 Vancouver Street, 4th Floor, Building B
Yarmouth, NS B5A 2P4
Canada
Phone: (902) 742-7141
Fax: (902) 742-6062
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