Don’t get ticked off outside Lyme Disease Action warns

With half term and the Easter holidays just around the corner, optimistically accompanied with warmer weather, getting outdoors is going to be a family priority.

But families are being urged to become tick aware, as the number of Lyme disease cases is increasing in the UK?

Ticks are tiny blood-sucking parasites found throughout the UK.

Their population peaks during the months April to October.
 
“The number of cases in the UK has risen, with figures for the first three quarters of 2010 up 55% on the same period in 2009.  It’s important that awareness of potential problems associated with tick bites increases, too,” says Stella Huyshe-Shires, Chair of UK charity Lyme Disease Action.

Lyme disease can result from being bitten by an infected tick.

The symptoms of Lyme Disease may include a circular red rash, headaches, a stiff neck, extreme fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and disturbances of sight, hearing, digestive system and sleep.

Lyme Disease can affect the joints, heart and nervous system if left untreated.

Lyme Disease Action has the following advice for parents to reduce the risk of being bitten by a tick:
 

– Wear long sleeves and trousers
– Wear light-coloured clothing so ticks are easier to spot
– Use an insect repellent effective against ticks (look for those containing the chemical DEET)
– Keep to pathways and try to avoid areas of overgrown vegetation
– Check for ticks regularly during the day
– Remove any ticks found attached as soon as possible
– Pack a tick remover – available from Lyme Disease Action – if walking or holidaying away from home
 
If you find a tick it should be removed immediately with a tick removal tool or fine pointed tweezers.

Gently pull the tick’s body away from your skin directly outwards, without jerking.

Do not try to pull the tick out with your fingers, burn the tick or cover it with creams or chemicals.
 
If you have been bitten by a tick and notice any of the above symptoms, seek medical help straight away.

Diagnosed and treated early, Lyme disease can be treated successfully with antibiotics.
 
For more information, visit: www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk