New research has claimed that cases of a potentially fatal bacterial infection are on the rise as a result of global warming.
Lyme disease cases have soared over the last 15 years and is transmitted by tiny spider-like blood-suckers, meaning that campers and hikers are particularly prone.
The research found a case rise of 357% in rural areas in the US between 2007 and 2021, while in towns and cities they increased by around two-thirds with similar trends being seen in other countries.
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This is as a result of longer summers and warmer winters, along with mass animal migration and people spending more time outdoors.
According to health officials, those over-50, as well as men and those living in rural areas, are most vulnerable. Infected ticks can be found in woodland and heathland areas across Ireland.
New York-based FAIR Health said Lyme disease has become an "illness of increasing national concern."
For decades, scientists have been clueless as to exactly how widespread the tick-borne illness really is, but the latest findings add to evidence that it is much more widespread than previously feared.
If Lyme Disease is left untreated it can lead to serious symptoms that affect the joints, nervous system and in more severe cases, the heart.
The charity's freely available 'infographic' reveals key differences in prevalence when comparing different regions. From 2016 to 2021, claims with Lyme disease diagnoses increased 60 percent in rural areas and 19 percent in urban areas - peaking nationally in June and July.
During summer months rural areas, on average, had a greater share of claim lines associated with Lyme disease, however, from November to April diagnoses occurred more often in urban areas.
Lyme disease is treatable with antibiotics but some patients later develop conditions with long-term symptoms, such as fatigue, muscle and joint pain and cognitive issues.
To identify later diagnoses, the researchers examined a statistically significant cohort of individuals in its private insurance claims database from 2017 to 2021.
The analysis found diagnoses such as malaise and fatigue and soft-tissue-related issues were more common among Lyme patients. Across all age groups, patients with Lyme disease were generally more likely to have these apparently associated diagnoses than all patients in the cohort.
FAIR Health President Robin Gelburd said: "Lyme disease remains a growing public health concern. FAIR Health will continue to use its repository of claims data to provide actionable and relevant insights to healthcare stakeholders seeking to better understand the ongoing rise of Lyme disease cases."
People are advised to remove ticks safely and as soon as possible using tweezers. It is not known how many die, although deaths are rare.
Ticks are second only to mosquitos in terms of the number of harmful microbes they carry. Some harbour Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, the bacteria which is responsible for Lyme disease.
Signs of a long-term illness include severe headaches, facial paralysis and an irregular heartbeat.
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