Lyme Disease in Nova Scotia & the Atlantic Provinces

Lyme Disease in Nova Scotia & the Atlantic Provinces Information about Lyme and tick-borne diseases is lacking in the Atlantic Provinces (and all of Canada). We are trying to change that.

We also run the Nova Scotia Lyme & Tick-Borne Diseases page. Lyme disease is an illness caused by the bacterium, Borrelia burgdorfei, which can be spread through the bite of certain types of ticks. Lyme disease in humans can have serious symptoms. The Public Health Agency of Canada has a statement dated Feb. 25, 2011. There are several comments made in this statement that I feel should be

getting out to a wider audience. For instance:

"When someone shows symptoms of Lyme disease and might have been exposed to the ticks that carry it, guidelines recommend that physicians treat the illness, even if it has not been confirmed with laboratory testing." "All laboratory tests have a margin of error, which is why physicians are encouraged to follow the recommended treatment guidelines and treat patients they suspect may have Lyme disease with antibiotics, even without the results of lab tests." The Public Health Agency of Canada also has the following (which I personally find very interesting having had antibiotics for various illnesses over the past few years):

"Blood tests may be negative in patients with early Lyme disease or in patients who have had antibiotic treatment." Lots of information out there, we need to make sure the Nova Scotia medical community is required to learn it!

Did you know that the erythema migrans (EM) Lyme rash expands over time and can get quite large? It can be warm to the t...
08/18/2026

Did you know that the erythema migrans (EM) Lyme rash expands over time and can get quite large? It can be warm to the touch but usually not itchy. The rash can have many forms, with the better known bull’s-eye version seen in only a small percentage of cases. As well, not everyone gets, or sees, a rash. https://www.hopkinslyme.org/lyme-disease-awareness/lyme-disease-rash-presentations-may-not-be-what-you-think/

Did you know that the prophylactic treatment for a tick bite is based upon limited research? The treatment MAY prevent a rash and can result in your Lyme test being a false negative. These ways to diagnose Lyme can be eliminated, but you may still have Lyme, or another tick-borne disease.

Did you know that it’s not just blacklegged ticks that we need to worry about - https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/ticks-tick-borne-diseases/ticks.html

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1498012035696127&set=a.229555612541782&type=3

As Nova Scotians enjoy the outdoors this summer, the awareness of ticks is looming larger as we hike, garden and explore our beautiful natural environments. The rising tick population in Nova Scotia has led to increased risk and cases of tick-borne illnesses.

Dr. Jonathan Ross, associate regional medical officer of health with Public Health, has spent much of this summer helping Nova Scotians better understand tick-borne illnesses, including how to prevent bites, recognize symptoms and know when to seek care.

Dr. Ross has answered some common questions about ticks in Nova Scotia to help us protect ourselves while enjoying our time outside: https://www.nshealth.ca/news-and-notices/tick-talk-dr-jonathan-ross

08/06/2026

The next N.S. Lyme Support Group meeting is Tuesday, August 11, at 12:00pm, via Zoom. Please let me know if you would like the link.

As always, all are welcome.

While I have you, lots of press lately about ticks and tick-borne diseases.

Stay safe out there! Prevention is key!

Short answer - No. Worth a listen. It’s short.
08/04/2026

Short answer - No. Worth a listen. It’s short.

What do you do if you or a family member is bitten by a tick. Will ...

“When neuropsychiatric Lyme is missed: A family’s story that could save others”
08/02/2026

“When neuropsychiatric Lyme is missed: A family’s story that could save others”

By Fred Diamond Some tick-borne disease stories are almost too painful to tell. But many times, they bring hope. Which is why my book and podcast are

Anaplasmosis – The Often-Forgotten Tick-Borne Illness
07/27/2026

Anaplasmosis – The Often-Forgotten Tick-Borne Illness

Anaplasmosis – The Often-Forgotten Tick-Borne Illness Posted on March 20, 2026 by Janeske Vonkeman Resident Pearl by Dr. Allyson Evans iFMEM PGY1 Dalhousie University Reviewed by Dr. Y Ahmed Copy Edited by Dr. J Vonkeman Published March 20th, 2026 What is it? Anaplasmosis, also known as huma.....

07/08/2026

First case of Alpha-gal syndrome, that I have heard of anyway, OFFICIALLY diagnosed in Nova Scotia -https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BDqNyr5c7/. My husband and I have experienced sensitivity to red meat. Never diagnosed. Just one more reason to do those daily tick checks.

Send a message to learn more

07/06/2026

The next N.S. Lyme Support Group meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 12pm, via Zoom. Please let me know if you would like to receive the link.

All are welcome.

Donna

Address

Bedford, NS

Telephone

902-835-5643

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