Lyme Disease Cases Surge in Manitoba — What Residents Need to Know

Winnipeg – If you’ve been spending time outdoors this summer, you’ve probably heard the whisper about ticks. It’s not just a local rumor; the numbers are actually climbing. Manitoba Health confirmed that more than 120 people were diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2025, a noticeable jump from previous years.

Health officials say the increase mirrors a broader trend across Canada, where warmer summers and expanding tick habitats are giving the bacteria that cause Lyme disease a larger playing field. The tick in question, the black‑legged or deer tick, thrives in grassy, wooded areas – the very spots many Manitobans love for hiking, camping, or simply walking the dog.

But there’s a wrinkle in the data. Marnie Le Page, a long‑time volunteer with Manitoba Lyme, points out that the official count likely underestimates the real situation. “We’re seeing gaps in testing, especially in remote communities, so a lot of cases slip through the cracks,” she explains. In other words, the 120‑plus figure is probably the tip of the iceberg.

What does this mean for everyday folks? First, a little extra caution. Check yourself and your pets for ticks after being outdoors, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when ticks are most active. Use insect repellent that contains DEET or picaridin, and consider wearing long sleeves and pants in high‑risk zones.

If you do find a tick, remove it promptly with fine‑tipped tweezers, grasping as close to the skin as possible and pulling steadily upward. Keep the tick in a sealed container in case a doctor needs it for testing. And don’t wait for a rash to appear – early symptoms of Lyme disease can be vague, like fatigue, fever, or a headache.

Should symptoms develop, seek medical attention right away. Early‑stage Lyme disease is usually treatable with a short course of antibiotics, but delayed treatment can lead to more serious complications affecting the heart, joints, or nervous system.

Community groups are stepping up, too. Local public‑health flyers, school newsletters, and social‑media campaigns are reminding Manitobans to stay tick‑aware. Some volunteer organizations are even offering free tick-testing kits in certain neighborhoods.

While the rise in cases is certainly concerning, the good news is that awareness is growing faster than the disease itself. By staying informed, checking for ticks, and acting quickly if symptoms appear, residents can protect themselves and keep the summer enjoyment going.