Experts are warning people to be vigilant of tick-borne bacterial infection after Government medical analysts reported an increase in the disease.
Lyme disease is a tick-borne bacterial infection that can be transmitted to humans when they are bitten by an infected Ixodes ricinus tick. It can be contracted anywhere in the UK but is more common in the south of England and the Scottish Highlands. Only a small minority of ticks in the UK are infected with the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, and being bitten by an infected tick does not necessarily result in Lyme disease.
But Liverpool Echo reports the Government estimates there are around 3000-4000 cases of Lyme disease every year in England and Wales. However, research published in 2019 showed that real numbers could be at least three times higher.
A Government spokesperson said: "Studies in Europe estimate that 1-5% of tick bites can lead to Lyme disease. On average, between 2.5–5.1% of ticks are infected in England and Wales, although this range can fluctuate in different areas and across years.
Since data collection began in 2005, there has been a general trend of increasing cases of Lyme disease, although yearly fluctuations have been observed. In 2021, there were a total of 1,156 laboratory-confirmed cases of Lyme disease in England and Wales.
"The rise in total cases may be due to a combination of increased awareness of Lyme disease as well as improved surveillance, better access to diagnostics, increased potential for encounters with ticks due to changes in wildlife populations and habitat modification that may have resulted in changes in tick distribution across the country."
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Charity experts from Lyme Disease UK run a national Wake Up To Lyme campaign. A spokesperson said: "Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia, a spirochete bacteria. It’s the most common tick-borne infectious disease in the northern hemisphere and there are multiple strains of the bacteria. Lyme disease is endemic in many parts of the United Kingdom, particularly in woodland or heath-land areas but disease carrying ticks can also be found in cities and gardens."
"Ticks should be removed using a tick removal tool, or a pair of very fine-tipped tweezers, making sure that all parts of the tick are removed. A tick remover should be an essential part of any first aid kit. "
The NHS says symptoms include a circular or oval shape rash around a tick bite can be an early symptom. The rash can appear up to three months after being bitten by an infected tick, but usually appears within 1 to 4 weeks. It can last for several weeks. The rash can have a darker or lighter area in the centre and might gradually spread. It's not usually hot or itchy.
An NHS spokesperson said the rash may be flat, or slightly raised, and look pink, red, or purple when it appears on white skin. It can be harder to see the rash on brown and black skin and it may look like a bruise. And some people also get flu-like symptoms a few days or weeks after they were bitten by an infected tick, such as a headache, a high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery, muscle or joint pain or tiredness and loss of energy.
It comes after it was recently revealed that experts who created the technology behind coronavirus tests at the height of the pandemic have joined forces with a US biotech firm to develop tests for other conditions such as diabetes and Lyme disease.
Formed by a group of research scientists at the University of Aberdeen, Vertebrate Antibodies Ltd (VAL) has secured investment with Innova Medical Group (IMG) to form a new holding company, EpitogenX.
EpitogenX aims to develop lab-based diagnostic tests for Lyme disease and diabetes, which are notoriously difficult to diagnose early enough to enable timely intervention.
The new tests will be cheaper and more accurate than those currently available.
VAL used its technologies to develop Covid tests as part of the Scottish Government chief scientist office’s rapid response to Covid-19 programme.
Lyme Disease Awareness Month is in May, and the charity Lyme Disease UK is advising people to:
Take effective tick repellent on outdoor trips and a tick removal tool.
Permethrin-treated outdoor clothing should also be considered for high-risk activities and occupations.
Avoid walking through long grass and stick to pathways wherever possible.
Wear light-coloured clothing, as this will make it easier to spot ticks and brush them off.
Wear long sleeves and tuck trousers into socks.
Shower and carry out a thorough tick check on yourself, children, and pets when you get home.
Remember that ticks can be as small as poppy seeds, so careful checking is key. Pay special attention to the hairline and behind the ears of young children.
Talk to your vet about tick prevention products for pets and check them daily for ticks.
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