Provincial health officials encouraging people to protect themselves from ticks

Ontario's top health officials are urging people to protect themselves from tick bites while outdoors this summer.

Health Minister Eric Hoskins and Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health David Williams say people should take precautions to avoid Lyme disease, which is spread to humans through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick.

If not identified early, infection can lead to recurring arthritis, neurological problems, numbness, and paralysis.

People can prevent tick bites by wearing closed-toe shoes, long-sleeved shirts and pants and using insect repellent.

Health officials say most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics if diagnosed and treated early.