Prince Edward County is the centre of the black legged tick population in the Quinte area and that could mean an increase in Lyme disease.
Hastings Prince Edward Health says the rate of black tick infestation here is much higher than the provincial rate.
The province has a rate of 3.2 cases per 100,000 population compared to 17.1 cases per 100,000 population in this area.
Program manager Bill Sherlock.
SHERLOCK
Sherlock says people should enjoy the outdoors, check their clothing for ticks and use fine tweezers if you find one.
Kingston and Leeds-Grenville are the top two areas with highest numbers, Hastings Prince Edward is third.
Sherlock says the ticks were first identified in Lyme, Connecticut, and have been making their way north, possibly because it’s getting warmer in this area.