File image: Kent Simmonds / CFJC Today

By Dylana Kneeshaw

TICK BITE PREVENTION

Warm weather prompts tick reminder from Interior Health

Apr 24, 2025 | 4:40 PM

KAMLOOPS — Warmer temperatures have already reached the Kamloops region, and Interior Health is warning residents spending time outdoors to be on the lookout for ticks.

The health authority says it has already begun hearing of people who have had tick encounters, with more expected as people increase the time they spend outdoors.

“In terms of the health concerns, I have to mention that most tick bites don’t cause illness, but very rarely they might cause infections such as what you’ve probably heard of with Lyme disease, there’s tick paralysis. In B.C. those are very, very rare instances,” reiterates Dr. Xuan Zhao, a Medical Health Officer with Interior Health.

“But despite that it’s still really important for any bite from a tick to be cleaned because they can get an infection.”

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Most ticks can be removed yourself, according to Dr. Zhao, however if there’s concern around a deeply embedded tick, then it is recommended to see a healthcare provider.

“Generally if you’re removing it yourself, that would include wearing gloves, using tweezers to remove them carefully, and just making sure not to crush the tick because their body contents can cause an infection as well if it gets into the wound,” Zhao said.

To reduce the risk of a tick bite, Interior Health suggests wearing light clothing, using insect repellent, and checking yourself over for ticks before heading back inside.

More information on ticks and tick bites can be found on Interior Health’s website.