The Renfrew County and District Health Unit says with warmer weather here, residents should exercise caution to prevent tick bites.
In a media release, they say parts of the county are ideal habitats for blacklegged ticks, or deer ticks, which can spread Lyme diesease and other illnesses.
2025 was a record year for the health unit, with 79 cases of Lyme disease, the highest annual count on record.
The health unit says the local rate has been above the provincial average since 2020, and three times the provincial average for the past two years.
The area that ticks are likely to be found in the county has expanded, with current risk areas identified along the Ottawa River from Arnprior to Chalk River, as well as Calabogie and Eganville.
They say a tick needs to be attached for at least 24 hours before it can begin to transmit Lyme disease, so prompt removal is key.
Symptoms of Lyme disease, including a rash at the bite site, chills, fever, headache and fatigue, usually appear within three to 30 days.
Seeing a doctor early helps treatment.
