The signs of Lyme disease, how you get tested and why you need to watch out for ticks this summer
25.06.2022 - 19:55
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Summer's here and it's time to head into the great outdoors. But as we venture into green spaces, it's more important than ever to be aware of the causes, symptoms and consequences of Lyme disease. Lyme disease is an infection caused by a type of bacteria that is carried by some species of ticks, which we are more likely to be exposed to outside.
And while health advisors say ticks and the risk they bring should not stop people from enjoying the outdoors, there are things everyone can to to avoid being bitten and reduce the chances of infection.
This is what Lyme disease is, how it is treated and how we can avoid it, according to UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) experts.
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Lyme disease is an infection that can be passed to people when they are bitten by an infected tick. People are most likely to encounter ticks when doing activities in the countryside or other green spaces such as woodland, some urban parks or gardens.
Ticks are small, spider-like creatures which feed on the blood of birds and mammals, including humans. They vary in size, usually between 1mm to 1cm long and they have either six or eight legs.
They can be found anywhere there is wildlife, usually in woodland and moorland areas, with common variations being the sheep and deer ticks. They do not fly or jump but climb on to animals or humans as they brush past.
Ticks are most active in the spring and summer months when the weather warms up but can be found all year round. There are estimated to be around 3000 cases of Lyme disease diagnosed in England each year.
In the UK, Lyme disease is an uncommon infection and can be successfully treated with a full course of