Assessment of human health risk for lyme disease in a peri-urban park in southern Québec

introduction : climate change has contributed to the spread of the hard tick Ixodes scapularis into increasingly northern latitudes, and subsequently has caused the spread of the l yme dis ease causing bacterium, Borrelia burdorferi, into these northern areas. The spread of these ticks into the region of southern Quebec is highly likely within the near future. As a result, new human populations are being exposed to these ticks and are at risk for contracting l yme disease. intent : This exploratory study examines the spatial and behavioral factors associated with human activ ity in longueuil regional park in relation to risk for l yme disease. Methods : w e conducted exit surveys of park-goers to determine spatial and behavioral patterns of park use, as well as l yme disease awareness. results and conclusion : w e found higher awareness of ticks in female park-goers, park-goers over 50, and high-frequency park-goers. our results, importantly, imply a discrepancy between peoples' awareness of tick bite precautions, and their perception of tick bite risk. w e hope that these findings may help future research on the spread of l yme disease into canada, as well as in the formulation of public health policy.