Be aware of the unseen risks in the outdoors

Fun in the outdoors could put your family’s health at risk. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) has launched a campaign to educate consumers about the risk of Tetanus from everyday activities like gardening. Tetanus, also known asLockjaw, is a serious disease of the nervous system caused by the clostridium tetani bacteria. Spores of the bacteria are commonly found in soil, dust and manure. Stepping on a rusty nail is just one way to contract Tetanus. Any cut, scrape or burn which allows spores to penetrate the skin can lead to infection.

Tetanus is characterized by muscle spasms and rigidity, particularly in the neck and jaw. Severe cases can be life threatening. It is easily preventable with a vaccine given to children as part of routine immunizations. However, Dr. Emil Prikryl, Public Health and Preventive Medicine Resident with SMDHU says it is important that adults maintain their protection with a booster shot every 10 years. Prikryl encourages people to contact their doctor or nurse practitioner to get a booster, or to book appointments at SMDHU clinics via www. simcoemuskokahealth.org.

Another warm weather risk is Lyme Disease carried by infected black legged ticks. Historically, ticks were a problem in the southern most parts of Ontario but in recent years, climate change has seen the affected area expanding northward. The Public Health Ontario website did not identify Creemore as a high risk area in last year’s mapping, but Barrie and Orillia were in the danger zone. The site further cautions that since infected ticks are spread by migratory birds, they can be found anywhere, at any time.

Prikryl says there are things you can do to protect against tick bites. Use an insect repellant containing deet, wear long sleeves and pants in the woods and tall grass, and check all family members including pets for ticks upon returning from a walk.

It is estimated that between 10 and 15 per cent of ticks carry Lyme disease. If you have been bitten, seek medical attention right away. Classic Lyme disease symptoms are expanding skin rash (which may or may not have the appearance of a bullseye), fever, chills and headache. Symptoms can become chronic. The sooner antibiotics are administered, the better the outcome.

The 2022 Ontario Lyme Disease Map can be found at www.publichealthontario.ca.