The New Brunswick government is urging people to watch for ticks and protect themselves against Lyme disease.

Jennifer Russell, the acting chief medical officer of health, says people should see a doctor if they develop a bull's eye target rash or have flu-like symptoms after being bitten by a tick.

She says Lyme disease is an emerging illness in Canada, but is treatable with antibiotics when diagnosed early.

Provincial Health Minister Victor Boudreau says he is trying to make it easier to be diagnosed and treated here.

“We're certainly going to continue to do what we can to promote everything in terms of best practices here in New Brunswick," said Boudreau.

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria spread by the bite of infected black-legged ticks, which need to be embedded in the skin for about 36 hours before they transmit the disease.

But Russell says most ticks in New Brunswick do not carry the disease and the risk of contracting it is low.

Debbie McCann wasn’t so lucky. She says a tick bite was the start of years of declining health including severe joint pain, headaches and light-headedness. 

"Lyme disease symptoms made my life hell,” said McCann. “It was the worst time of my whole life. It was a nightmare."

McCann's Lyme disease was finally diagnosed by a lab in California. She was successfully treated by a doctor in New York.

"My case is almost exactly the same as everybody over there standing with Lyme disease. It breaks my heart to see that because it takes me back to the days when I was that sick," she said.

McCann spoke at a demonstration on Tuesday that was attended by dozens of people and their families who have been affected by the disease.

"Despite having to pay heavy taxes here in Canada, we have to pay again, and go to the states in order to get treatment for a disease that occurred right here in New Brunswick," said McCann

Cathie Smith contracted the disease almost two decades ago and has seen 19 specialists during that time.

"This summer is going to be the worst tick season we've had,” said Smith. “With global warming, it's only going to get worse.”

Russell says people should walk in the middle of trails, wear clothing that covers the skin, clear brush and tall grass near houses and use insect repellent to protect themselves.

With files from The Canadian Press and CTV Atlantic’s Mike Cameron.