Public health officials warn of rising Lyme disease cases and tick risks at Montreal camps

By the Editorial Team · Monday, June 29, 2026

Montreal recorded a record 161 confirmed Lyme disease cases in 2025, with about 38 percent originating locally, prompting public health officials and camps like GUEPE to intensify education on tick prevention and removal. As ticks become more common in urban and suburban areas due to climate change and wildlife movement, officials emphasize vigilance and practical measures to reduce infection risks during outdoor activities.

As summer approaches, public health authorities in Montreal are alerting residents and camp organizers to the increasing threat posed by ticks and the rising incidence of Lyme disease. The city recorded 161 confirmed Lyme disease cases in 2025, marking the highest number since tracking began in 2003. Although a significant proportion of these infections were acquired outside Montreal, officials estimate that about 38 percent originated within the city, underscoring growing local risks.

At Camp GUEPE, a nature-focused summer program serving children aged five to 13, staff and parents receive guidance on recognizing and managing tick exposure. The camp provides an online resource detailing how to identify ticks and the common areas where they may attach, such as hairlines and armpits. Camp counsellors, all trained in safe tick removal using tweezers carried in first-aid kits, also instruct campers on preventive measures. These include wearing long-sleeved clothing, applying insect repellent, and conducting thorough tick checks after outdoor activities.

Anne Frédérique Préaux, a spokesperson for GUEPE and former camp counsellor, emphasized the importance of routine tick inspections, encouraging families to check children for ticks daily and to launder clothing immediately after camp. While ticks have not historically been a major issue at GUEPE, the camp aims to educate rather than alarm, including discussions on ticks and poison ivy in its orientation sessions.

The Association des camps du Québec is promoting similar awareness initiatives, distributing information through its Réflexe app to camp managers on tick identification, removal techniques, and symptom monitoring—particularly for Lyme disease rashes that may develop after bites.

Experts highlight that while the presence of ticks is a cause for vigilance, it should not cause undue alarm. Virginie Millien, an assistant professor of biology at McGill University, noted that ticks are often found in everyday environments such as parks and backyards, making occasional exposure inevitable during outdoor play. She stressed the importance of practical prevention, including showering and garment washing immediately after outdoor activity, to minimize risk.

Climate change has facilitated the expansion of ticks into previously inhospitable areas around Montreal, with migratory birds also contributing to their spread. “Ticks are here to stay,” Millien said, underscoring the need for ongoing adaptation to live safely alongside the arachnids.

Nicolas Sheppard-Jones, medical lead for infectious emergencies at Montreal’s public health agency, warned that Lyme disease is increasing in prevalence across the island, no longer confined to remote hiking areas. He stressed that recognizing the risk is the first step toward adopting protective practices.

With summer camp season underway, Montreal’s public health officials continue efforts to raise awareness and promote caution among families and outdoor activity providers to help mitigate the rising threat posed by ticks and Lyme disease.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.