Tick populations are increasing throughout Nova Scotia, posing significant health risks to workers who spend time outdoors, provincial health officials warned Wednesday.
“Ticks are not just a nuisance, they carry serious diseases,” said Provincial Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Cram. “That’s why it’s important to take simple precautions like using insect repellants before you spend time outdoors and checking for ticks on your body daily.”
The warning comes as warming temperatures have activated tick populations across the province in both urban and rural areas, requiring employers to implement safety protocols for staff working outside.
Blacklegged ticks, which can transmit Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis and Powassan virus infection, thrive in moist environments and areas with dense vegetation such as tall grass, shrubs, parks, gardens and forests.
Prevention strategies for employers
Health officials recommend employers ensure outdoor workers:
- Check clothing and bodies thoroughly after outdoor work
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants in tick-prone areas
- Choose light-coloured clothing to make ticks more visible
- Tuck pants into socks and wear enclosed footwear
- Stay on established paths when possible
- Use Health Canada-approved insect repellents
Resources available
Workers who find ticks or have concerns can call the Nova Scotia Health Tick Hotline at 902-266-7199 or toll-free at 1-866-266-7199.
Local pharmacists are authorized to assess tick bites and determine whether preventive antibiotics are required.
Ticks become active whenever temperatures rise above 4 degrees Celsius, making tick safety relevant throughout much of the year across the province.
Additional Resources:
More information, including how to remove and dispose of ticks safely, is available at: https://novascotia.ca/ticksafety/
Tick-check poster: https://novascotia.ca/ticksafety/poster.pdf
More information about the Nova Scotia Health Tick Hotline is available at: https://www.nshealth.ca/clinics-programs-and-services/nova-scotia-health-tick-service
