New Brunswickers can now track tick hot spots across province

New Brunswickers can now monitor tick hot spots across the province with a new online tracker designed to combat the spread of Lyme disease. The tool, launched by the province, highlights areas with a higher prevalence of black-legged ticks, which are known carriers of tick-borne illnesses.

“

As the warmer weather arrives, so, too, does the risk of encountering blacklegged ticks.

Dr. Yves Léger, the province's chief medical officer of health, noted the increased risk as warmer weather arrives. The map, updated monthly and categorized by health zones, currently identifies southern New Brunswick as a higher-risk area. Residents in affected regions, like Saint John, are taking precautions, such as ensuring children wear protective clothing and using insect repellent during outdoor activities.

"We have heard there’s an increased risk of ticks this year, which is concerning," said resident Nick Landry. "So, we just try to take as much precaution as we can." Others have integrated "tick checks" into their daily routines, acknowledging the insects' ability to hide in various places.

“

We have heard there’s an increased risk of ticks this year, which is concerning. So, we just try to take as much precaution as we can.

The initiative comes amid a significant rise in Lyme disease cases across Canada. Experts attribute this surge to warmer winters, which allow disease-carrying ticks to survive in more northern regions. Preliminary data shows a sharp increase in reported Lyme disease cases, climbing from 917 in 2015 to over 5,200 in 2024. New Brunswick's data reflects this trend, with a notable increase in tick exposures for both humans and animals in May compared to previous years. The province urges individuals experiencing symptoms like a rash, fever, or fatigue after a tick bite to seek medical attention.

“

It does worry me a little bit. Especially since I come over here into the woods a bunch and stuff so I just go home and do an overall check.