Lyme disease cases have soared almost five-fold in 15 years because of global warming, according to new research. The potentially-fatal bacterial infection is transmitted by tiny spider-like blood-suckers. Campers and hikers are particularly prone.
An analysis found diagnoses rose 357 per cent in rural areas in the US between 2007 and 2021. In towns and cities they increased by around two thirds (65 per cent). Similar trends have been observed in the UK.
Longer summers and warmer winters are to blame, along with animal migration and increased time spent outdoors. Over-50s, men and those living in rural areas are most vulnerable. Infected ticks can be found across Britain.
