Grand Erie Public Health Issues Alert on Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Grand Erie, Ontario – The Grand Erie Public Health unit has issued a critical warning regarding the emergence of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) in the region, following confirmed cases in local dogs. The illness, transmitted by black-legged ticks, poses significant health risks to both canines and humans if not promptly treated. This announcement comes as the new Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Jason Malenfant, emphasizes the importance of public awareness regarding this potentially fatal disease.

RMSF is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, which is carried by the black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick. Dr. Malenfant, who previously encountered RMSF in the central Appalachia region of the United States, described the disease as serious and highlighted its symptoms, which can manifest in dogs as fever, lethargy, vomiting, and abdominal pain, among others. In humans, symptoms typically develop within two to fourteen days after a tick bite and may include muscle pain, headaches, confusion, and a characteristic rash that begins on the wrists and ankles.

The Grand Erie Public Health unit is taking proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with RMSF. According to health officials, raising awareness is crucial as the disease may not be on the radar of local healthcare providers. "Spreading awareness is our top priority because local doctors and veterinarians may not recognize the symptoms," said Dr. Malenfant in an interview with The Hamilton Spectator.

To minimize exposure to ticks, health officials recommend several preventative measures: avoiding tick-infested areas, wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors, applying insect repellents with DEET, and conducting thorough tick checks after outdoor activities. If a tick is discovered, individuals are encouraged to photograph it and submit it to eTick.ca, a platform that assists in identifying tick species and assessing potential risks for tick-borne diseases.

Last year, certain areas in Ontario, including Brant and Norfolk Counties, were identified as high-risk zones for Lyme disease, another tick-borne illness. Public Health Ontario has reported 21 cases of Lyme disease in the Grand Erie area and 34 cases in Hamilton this year alone.

As RMSF becomes a growing concern, health authorities continue to monitor tick populations and disease trends closely. Residents are urged to consult their healthcare providers if they suspect tick exposure, especially if they exhibit symptoms associated with RMSF. For more information regarding tick prevention and the signs of tick-borne diseases, residents can visit the Grand Erie Public Health website or the Haldimand Norfolk Health Unit's resources. This situation underscores the importance of vigilance and awareness as tick populations expand in the region, potentially leading to increased incidence of tick-borne diseases.