Lyme disease surveillance in Canada: Annual edition 2021 (infographic)

What is Lyme disease?

• Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick.
• Early clinical manifestations can present as flu-like symptoms including joint pain and/or bull's eye rash. If untreated, individuals may experience cardiac and neurologic manifestations and arthritis.

What is the risk?

• Lyme disease is the most frequently reported vector-borne disease in Canada.
• The greatest risk of acquiring Lyme disease occurs in regions where populations of ticks carrying the bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, have become established.

Who's at greater risk?

• Children aged 5-14 years
• Adults aged 55-79 years

Facts reported in 2021

• 3,147 cases of Lyme disease were reported, of which, 82.5% were confirmed cases and 17.5% probable cases
• 56% cases were males
• 44% cases were females

Geographic distribution of reported cases

• Cases reported by Alberta, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island were travel−related only. 1% of reported cases were likely infected during travel in the USA or Europe.

Seasonality

• 36% of cases reported illness onset in July
• 95% of the cases occurred from May through November

Public health recommendations: Tips to avoid tick bites

Protecting yourself when doing outdoor activity:

• cover exposed skin
• use insect repellent

Reducing risk:

• do a full-body check for ticks after each outdoor activity
• remove ticks using clean, fine-tipped tweezers

Related links

Lyme disease surveillance in Canada: Annual edition 2021