Cover up in woodland to protect from Lyme disease

Watch out for tick bites to reduce the risk of catching Lyme disease, the Health Protection Agency is warning.

With the warmer weather pulling families back outdoors, the risk of infection rises.

The bacterial infection is caught through tick bites, with late spring, early summer and autumn being a peak risk time.

In 2010, there were 953 laboratory-confirmed cases of Lyme disease reported in England and Wales, with two-thirds of cases coming from the South of England.

Ticks are tiny spider-like creatures which live in suburban parkland, forests and woodlands.
Lyme disease is often acquired through walking, hiking and mountain-biking.

Exmoor, the New Forest, the South Downs, parts of Wiltshire and Berkshire, Thetford Forest, the Lake District, the Yorkshire moors and the Scottish Highlands are prime places for infected ticks.

Head of gastrointestinal, emerging and zoonotic infections department at the HPA, Dr Dilys Morgansaid said: “It’s important that people take preventive measures against tick bites and also look out for ticks after visiting affected areas especially in the southern counties of England, the Lake District and the Scottish Highlands to reduce the risk of catching Lyme disease.”

“Ticks that can transmit Lyme disease are very small – about the size of a poppy seed – and can easily be overlooked, so it is important to check regularly for attached ticks on the skin. Most ticks do not carry the infection but if one is found it should be removed promptly, as infected ticks are unlikely to transmit the organism if they are removed in the early stages of attachment. Ticks can be removed with tweezers or special tick hooks, pulling gently upwards away from the skin. People who develop a rash or other symptoms after a tick bite should consult their GP.”

The HPA is advising people to:
Wear appropriate clothing in tick-infested areas such as a long sleeved shirt and long trousers tucked into socks.

Light coloured fabrics are useful, as it is easier to see ticks against a light background.

Consider using insect repellents, e.g. DEET-containing preparations.

Inspect skin frequently and remove any attached ticks.
 
At the end of the day, check again thoroughly for ticks, especially in skin folds.
 
Make sure that children’s head and neck areas, including scalps, are properly checked.
 
Check that ticks are not brought home on clothes.
 
Check that pets do not bring ticks into the home on their fur.

For more information and symptoms of Lyme borreliosis and tick bite prevention visit: http://www.hpa.org.uk/Topics/InfectiousDiseases/InfectionsAZ/LymeDisease/