If you are heading outdoors to keep active, go camping or work in your garden, protect yourself and your family against West Nile virus and Lyme disease. West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito; Lyme disease is spread through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick.
What you can do:
• Cover up when you go outdoors with light coloured long sleeved shirts and pants
• Use an insect repellent containing DEET
• Check yourself and your children for ticks
• Remove attached ticks as quickly as possible
• Clean up standing water around your home where mosquitoes like to breed
You can still enjoy the great outdoors; just remember to Fight the Bite!
For more information about West Nile virus and Lyme disease, including the safe removal of ticks, contact York Region Health Connection 1‐800‐361‐5653, TTY 1‐866‐252‐9933 or visit: york.ca/westnile or york.ca/lymedisease.
