Lyme disease continues to spread in the region

Lyme disease continues to spread in the region

The presence of ticks carrying Lyme disease continues to expand in Quebec, prompting public health authorities to emphasize the importance of prevention.

According to data from the Institut national de santé publique du Québec, 859 cases of Lyme disease were reported in 2025, compared with 125 cases in 2014. Fourteen of the province’s eighteen administrative regions were affected.

Estrie remains the most impacted region, but a significant increase in cases has also been observed in Montreal. The Outaouais is among the hardest‑hit regions, with 69 cases recorded last year.

Experts attribute this rise in part to climate change. Milder winters and longer warm seasons help ticks survive and spread, increasing the risk of transmission.

Authorities recommend that citizens be especially vigilant during outdoor activities, including in forests, parks, trails, and even residential gardens. Wearing long clothing, using insect repellent, and checking the body after spending time in nature are among the main preventive measures.

Symptoms of Lyme disease can appear a few days to several weeks after a tick bite. A spreading rash around the bite, fatigue, fever, headaches, or muscle pain are signs to watch for.

Health professionals emphasize that early diagnosis and treatment generally lead to full recovery and help prevent more serious complications affecting the joints, nervous system, or heart.