Please be tick aware

25 May 2010

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) in the South West is warning people to take extra care this spring and early summer when visiting grassy or woodland areas where ticks may be present. Ticks can carry Lyme disease which may be transmitted to humans through tick bites.

In 2008, the South West reported 218 cases of Lyme disease with eight cases related to foreign travel.

Dr Isabel Oliver, Regional Director of HPA South West, said:

“These figures show that the South West remains one of the highest regions for Lyme disease cases, which may be due to the number of popular countryside attractions in the region, such as Exmoor, New Forest and parts of Wiltshire.

“Ticks can be found in forests and moorlands and are very small, about the size of a poppy seed, so it is important to check your skin regularly when out in these areas.

“If one is found it should be removed from the skin promptly, as infected ticks are unlikely to transmit the organism if they are removed in the early stages of attachment. Is important not to squeeze or crush a tick as sometimes parts can break from the body and remain in the skin which could cause infection. They should be removed with tweezers or special tick hooks by pulling gently upwards away from the skin.

“A tick bite usually looks like a lump with a small scab on the skin surface at the site of the bite. Most people infected with Lyme disease subsequently develop a reddish skin rash in a ring shape, which may spread out from the site of a bite. Other common symptoms include tiredness, headache, joint pains, and flu-like symptoms.

“If you think you have any of the symptoms above and have been bitten by a tick, please visit your GP immediately who will be able to treat the infection with a course of antibiotics.”
Symptoms usually start a few days to several weeks
To minimise the risk of being bitten by an infected tick:
• Wear appropriate clothing in tick-infested areas (a long sleeved top and long trousers tucked into socks).
• Consider using insect repellents that contain DEET.
• 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.

Last reviewed: 26 May 2010