Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is caused by a bacterial infection that people can get from the bite of an infected blacklegged (deer) tick. Exposure to blacklegged ticks can occur from April to November. Adult blacklegged ticks are easier to find in the fall. They are smaller in size than the common dog (wood) tick, which does not transmit Lyme disease.

Throughout Manitoba, there is a chance of being exposed to Lyme disease through contact with infected blacklegged ticks transported by birds. However, there is a greater risk in the southeast corner of the province where an infected blacklegged tick population is established.

Symptoms of Lyme disease can start two days to one month after a tick bite, often with an expanding ring-like rash, which then fades. Early symptoms can also include headache, stiff neck, fever, muscle aches or fatigue. People who think they may have Lyme disease should see their doctor promptly. Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics and treatment is most successful in the early stages of infection. For more information on symptoms and how you can prevent Lyme disease please visit About Lyme disease.

Manitobans are requested to submit blacklegged ticks.

For further details on how to identify blacklegged ticks and tick submission please visit the Blacklegged Ticks page.

Fact sheet(s)

Lyme Disease Fact Sheet [under review]

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Public Health Division, Manitoba Health
4th Floor - 300 Carlton St.
Winnipeg MB 
R3B 3M9 
CANADA
Phone:  (204) 788-6737
Fax:       (204) 948-2040

OR

Health Links-Info Santé
788-8200 or toll-free at 1- 888- 315-9257