As with many people during these trying times – COVID, drought, fires, floods, storms, etc. – my mental health has taken a beating. I haven’t been able to get out of my own way for several months now. However, it’s time to give some updates on what’s happening in the Lyme world (or at least Nova Scotia).

First of all, NS Public Health has been using the hashtag “BeTickAware” on social media posts about ticks and tick-borne diseases since mid-May, or thereabouts. Unfortunately, there are not a lot of posts, but please do what you can to help get the word out by sharing. NS Health has also paid for short, five second “ads” on games, etc. Prevention is key, yet many still do not undertake preventative measures due to lack of knowledge, or concern.

Another positive is that tick awareness signage has finally been developed and installation has started in provincial parks in the province. If you see one, please snap a photo and share on social media as every little bit of awareness helps. If you are in a provincial park, and do not see signage, please put a request in to the park management.

Although I’m not yet sure if there is much value in this new Tick Service by NS Health – https://www.nshealth.ca/service-details/Nova%20Scotia%20Health%20Tick%20Service – at least some attempt is being made. Please let me know if you use the service and how it goes. Unfortunately, a quick dive into the site wasn’t that helpful. We absolutely need a dedicated Lyme clinic, especially for those dealing with Early or Late Disseminated Lyme and/or other Tick-Borne Diseases.

Early this year NS Health added Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis and Powassan virus to the list of reportable diseases. I have been hearing about an increase in the number of Anaplasmosis cases that are being diagnosed, but I haven’t heard anything about Babesiosis or Powassan virus. Hopefully, the addition of these three potential co-infections to the list of reportable diseases will finally get doctors to take a closer look at their patients when symptoms don’t line up with the symptoms of Lyme disease.

Attempt is being made to have a “Nova Scotia Lyme & Tick-Borne Diseases Association”. Unfortunately, however, we are having difficulty in finding people interested in sitting on a Board. Please reach out to me if you are interested and would like more information.

Although still in the early stages of development, the following are some things we would like to see an Association work on and towards:

• Development of a comprehensive website, with information on all stages of Lyme and tick-borne diseases. 
• Providing accurate, up-to-date, information to health care professionals through podcasts, interviews, Zoom presentations, etc. 
• Organizing awareness/prevention events throughout the province, including those for Lyme Disease Awareness Month.
• Continuing to work towards the three ASKS of the provincial government, made by the NS Lyme Advocacy Group. These ASKS were:
  • – Lyme Clinic – There is an urgent need for a clinic in Nova Scotia dedicated to complex Lyme and Tick-borne diseases, similar to the Tick Collaborative Care Service in Manitoba.
    – Education – Health care providers need accurate, up-to-date, education on TBDs so that they can recognize and treat all stages of Lyme and other TBDs.
    – Non-Partisan Lyme Disease Task Force – including representation by all political parties, as well as those with lived experience.
• Undertaking fundraising through a variety of methods including, but not limited to – requesting donations from organizations and people; selling items such as garden flags, etc.; holding events such as a walk/kite flying event that would require sponsors; undertaking presentations to businesses/organizations; having a “gala” (which is a lofty goal); and more.
• Involvement with health & wellness events throughout the province.
• Organizing movie/documentary screenings.
• Tick drags – for awareness/testing?
• Development of a tick testing program in Nova Scotia, for all tick-borne diseases, not just Lyme. That may just be an expansion of Geneticks into the province, but it would be great to provide a free tick testing service.
• More local research. 

Our hope at the moment is to have our first meeting early in 2024, via Zoom, with all those that are interested in being involved. Some will be those interested in being on the Board and others would be those interested in helping with initiatives. The NS Lyme Advocacy Group presently meets once a month on a Thursday evening, usually in the 2^nd or 3^rd week, but we are open to changing days/times, if required. Would love to hear from you!

I’m sure that I am missing things so you may hear from me sooner than usual. In the meantime, stay safe! Ticks are still active and COVID numbers are increasing once again.