Watch Out - There's a Tick About
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Tick-borne diseases are common throughout the world, and as Country Eye is read throughout the world it would be wrong to restrict the article to Ticks and Lyme disease in the UK. Also there is little point in going into great detail as this is covered in great depth on many websites, not least Lyme Disease Action here in the UK.
 Ticks Image - LDA |
We will instead give basic advice on prevention and what to do if bitten, and act as a portal giving links to websites both here in the UK, and in other countries throughout the world. If you know of other similar useful websites please let us know and we will add them to the list.
Lyme Disease is on the increase in the UK, with just under 2,000 confirmed cases and an unknown number of people diagnosed clinically, usually from the characteristic rash. (Public Health England data July 2018).
Prevention is better than cure. Ticks will attach themselves to any exposed skin, so best to wear long trousers and long sleeved shirts when in woodland or grassland.
If you are unfortunate enough to get a bite and you see the tick do not try to remove it without a tick removal tool ( see various links ) otherwise you will squeeze the contents of the tick's stomach into you increasing the risk of infection.
 Typical Lyme Disease 'bullseye rash' Image - LDA |
You may not know if a tick has attached itself to you as it administers a local anaesthetic as it bites, and can remain attached for some days dropping off after feeding without being seen. The first you may know is a rash, usually a bullseye around the area of the bite.
If you have had a bite, be alert for symptoms over the next 2 or 3 weeks. If you have an expanding rash, or feel ill, you should get medical assistance as soon as you can. Lyme disease can be cured if caught early.
 Typical tick bite - Rickettsia Image - researchgate.net |
Other tick-borne diseases include Anaplasmosis, Rickettsia and Encephalitis which are covered along with Lyme Disease on the websites linked from below.
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Tick Borne Diseases - Websites: Please let us know of any other useful websites, or discrepancies/errors with the websites listed.
United Kingdom
We highly recommend looking in depth at this website as it is kept up-to-date with the latest information on Lyme disease and tick bites in the UK. In particular the pages on information for the public contain essential advice, especially if you have had a tick bite. Also the 'Other Tick Websites' page gives links to other useful UK websites.
NICE - National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
Instructions and Recommendations to the NHS (and others) on Lyme Disease.
NHS advice and information on Lyme Disease
HM Government - Lyme disease: resources and guidance
HM Government information on Lyme disease
HM Government - Tick Surveillance Scheme
HM Government tick surveillance scheme with links to information for various groups including schools and local government as well as the general public.
NI Direct - Protect yourself against tick bites
Northern Ireland Government information website.
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Europe
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
Gives information on numerous tick-borne diseases throughout the European Union.
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United States of America
Lyme Disease information in the USA
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Tickborne Diseases of the United States
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Australia
Lyme Disease Association of Australia
Australian Government Dept of Health
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Global
Around the world: Tick-borne diseases
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John R Warman
April 2019
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