Recently the North Bay-Parry Sound District Health Unit confirmed a black-legged tick had tested positive for the bacteria that can cause Lyme Disease.

The release also said in this case the Lyme Disease risk was low.

Julie Roelandt is with Nipissing Lyme Awareness and support.

She learned she had Lyme Disease about 10 years ago and probably picked it up in the United States, but says it is prevalent here in Ontario.

She says it’s a horrible disease and it’s hard to describe how it makes you feel.

Roelandt says it’s not easy to deal with on a daily basis.

She compares it to a combination of Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia, as she deals with severe arthritis, tennis elbow, tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.

In terms of tips, Roelandt says ticks are prevalent in grassy areas and after they shed they drop off from their host and hang around until someone else comes by.

She suggests never go hiking or walking through long grass with open footware, like sandals, as the ticks can get in between the toes and you may not see them.

For more information there’s information on the Health Unit’s website.