Brits have been advised to take precautions before going walking in nature due to a significant health threat. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued guidance on protecting yourself from ticks.
Ticks are minuscule,spider-like creatures that live in long undergrowth and attach themselves to animals, including humans, when they pass through tall grass.
While feeding, they can transmit viruses and infections that cause illness, with Lyme disease being the most common. In a message posted on X, the UKHSA said: « Planning a trip into the wilderness? Don’t forget the essentials…
“Good walking shoes? Plenty of water? Knowing which creepy-crawly to be aware of? That’s a tick too.”
In an infographic, it outlined how to keep yourself safe from ticks. These steps included:
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi, which is most commonly spread to humans via infected ticks. However, not all ticks are infected – it is estimated that around 10% of ticks in the UK carry Lyme disease.
The sooner you spot the signs of Lyme disease, the sooner you can seek the treatment you need.
Symptoms
According to the NHS, a circular or oval-shaped rash around a tick bite is an early symptom of Lyme disease in some people.
This rash usually appears within one to four weeks but it can appear up to three months after being bitten. It can last for several weeks.
“The rash may be flat, or slightly raised, and look pink, red, or purple when it appears on white skin,” the NHS explains.
“It can be harder to see the rash on brown and black skin and it may look like a bruise.”
Other common symptoms include:
- A high temperature
- Feeling hot and shivery
- Headache
- Muscle and joint pain
- Tiredness and loss of energy
Some people with Lyme disease can experience severe side effects, which is more likely if treatment is delayed.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention says these can include:
- Severe headaches and neck stiffness
- Facial palsy (loss of muscle tone or droop on one or both sides of the face)
- Arthritis with severe joint pain and swelling, particularly the knees and other large joints.
- Intermittent pain in tendons, muscles, joints, and bones
- Heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat (Lyme carditis)
- Episodes of dizziness or shortness of breath
- Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord
- Nerve pain
- Shooting pains, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet
To safely remove a tick the NHS advice is:
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