What to do if you find a tick on your body this summer

Health authorities in Southwestern Ontario are warning vacationers to be wary and to protect themselves while camping and swimming this summer along Lake Erie's north shore after a tick collected in the Port Burwell area tested positive for the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

In a news release published Wednesday by Southwestern Public Health, officials say thedeer tick, also known as a black-legged tick, was found in the Port Burwellarea,a small community located on the north shore of Lake Erie about 40 minutes east of St Thomas.

The location has prompted health authorities to remind people to be on guard as summer vacation season ramps up at beaches, parks and campgrounds along Lake Erie's northern shore.

• See a map from Public Health Ontario showing tick hot spots in the province

In particular, health officials say popular provincial parks, such as Turkey Point and Long Point are considered high-risk areas when it comes to ticks that carry Lyme disease.

What to do if you find a tick

If you discover a tick on your body, health officials recommend removing the parasite with fine tip tweezers and submitting it to public health officials for identification.

If removed within the first 24 hours, itgreatly reduces your chances of getting Lyme disease, according to officials.

If the insect is discovered on a pet, such as a cat or a dog, health officials recommend following up with a veterinarian, noting that it's important to check family pets regularly for parasites so that they don't put your family at risk by bringing them indoors.

Symptoms of Lyme disease includefever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue and an expanding red rash, which can sometimes resemblea bull's eye.

Lyme disease can lead to arthritic symptoms, cardiac issues, extreme fatigue/weakness and nervous system disorders, if left untreated.