Montreal Launches Summer Campaign to Protect Children as Tick-Borne Disease Risk Rises

By Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi / Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada | June 29, 2026

As summer activities draw thousands of families to parks, forests, playgrounds, and hiking trails, Montreal public health authorities are stepping up efforts to educate parents about the growing threat posed by ticks and the diseases they can carry.

The awareness campaign comes as health experts warn that ticks are becoming increasingly common in and around Montreal, with climate change and warmer weather contributing to their spread into areas where they were once rarely found. Public health officials say children are among those most vulnerable because they frequently play in grassy, wooded, and natural environments where ticks thrive.

Officials are encouraging parents to continue enjoying outdoor recreation but to adopt simple preventive measures that can significantly reduce the risk of tick bites and Lyme disease.

Among the recommendations are wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers when visiting wooded or grassy areas, using insect repellents approved for tick protection, staying on designated walking trails, and performing thorough body checks after spending time outdoors. Experts say parents should carefully inspect children’s hairline, behind the ears, under the arms, behind the knees, and around the waist, where ticks often attach themselves.

Health professionals also advise families to shower soon after returning home from outdoor activities and to examine pets, clothing, and outdoor gear, as ticks can easily hitch a ride indoors before attaching themselves to people.

The campaign follows a noticeable increase in Lyme disease cases across Quebec. Montreal recorded its highest number of reported Lyme disease infections in more than two decades in 2025, prompting public health authorities to strengthen awareness efforts ahead of another busy outdoor season. Since 2024, the entire Island of Montreal has been considered an area where exposure to ticks is possible.

Medical experts stress that not every tick carries Lyme disease, and a tick bite does not automatically result in infection. However, early detection remains essential. Initial symptoms often include a circular or “bull’s-eye” rash around the bite, fever, fatigue, headaches, and muscle aches. If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to more serious complications affecting the joints, heart, and nervous system.

Environmental researchers say the expansion of tick populations is closely linked to changing climate conditions, with milder winters allowing the parasites to survive longer and spread farther north. As a result, health officials expect tick activity to remain a growing public health concern in many parts of Canada.

Despite the increased risk, authorities emphasize that Canadians should not avoid spending time outdoors. Instead, they encourage families to enjoy parks, trails, and green spaces while remaining informed and taking sensible precautions.

“We want people to continue enjoying nature,” public health officials say. “The goal is not to discourage outdoor activities, but to help people protect themselves and their families through awareness and prevention.”