In the coming years, it is being expected that Alberta will be drastically affected by Lyme disease. Recent reports have warned that there is an increase in the population of ticks carrying the Lyme disease.

Dr. Christopher Sikora, Medical Officer of Health for the Edmonton zone, said “We have found that some of the ticks are present in Alberta and some have been found to have Lyme in them. It is possible that the number of human cases could increase”.

Since 2007, eleven confirmed cases of the disease were reported in the region, with year’s accounting for three cases. However, Sikora asserted that none of the cases have been reported to have contracted the infection in the province, all have been cases of either those who are immigrants or have travelled to other countries.

Sikora explained that the disease is transmitted to the ticks after coming in contact with infected animals, which may include aerial species, squirrels and mice. The infection is then further transmitted to the humans through these ticks.

He added that major symptoms of the disease include bulls-eye rash, which builds up near to the area, where the tick has bitten. However, it develops only in a few cases. The disease, if not caught at right time could lead to arthritis or paralysis.