Experts are urging people to stay safe this spring as a rare disease is on the rise in the UK.
Lyme disease is an infection caused by a spiral-shaped bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. The infection is predominantly spread to humans through the bite of an infected tick.
Sometimes, ticks can transmit multiple infections through a single bite, and these can cause more severe symptoms.
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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.
Ticks have been found across every county of the UK and are mainly found in grassy areas and woodland, but have also been found in urban parks and gardens. It is estimated that around 10% of ticks in the UK carry Lyme disease.
Ticks vary in size and can be as small as a poppy seed, or as large as a baked bean.
Ticks live in grassy areas and will wait on a blade of grass for a human or animal to brush past it, transfers onto the host, and then crawls to find a warm spot to embed itself into. They inject a local anaesthetic which means that their bite is painless, and often attach themselves to the hairline, axillae, or groin areas of the body, so many people don’t realise they’ve been bitten.
Lyme disease is easier to treat the quicker it is diagnosed. The NHS says a circular or oval shape rash around a tick bite can be an early symptom of Lyme disease in some people.
The rash can appear up to 3 months after being bitten by an infected tick, but usually appears within 1 to 4 weeks. It can last for several weeks.
Other symptoms include a high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery, headache, muscle and joint pain, and tiredness and loss of energy.
Some people with Lyme disease develop more severe symptoms months or years later and this is more likely if treatment is delayed. These more severe symptoms can include joint pain and swelling, nerve problems, memory problems, and heart problems.
Ahead of Lyme Disease Awareness Month in May, the charity Lyme Disease UK is urging people to be vigilant. It advises 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.
Charity experts also said: "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. "
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