People planning on going out, especially for a walk in the park, are being urged to ‘check themselves’ when coming back home
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is warning people who are planning on going out this weekend, as more warm and sunny weather is forecast, to exercise caution. The mild conditions have meant more people are soaking up the sun and enjoying spending time outdoors; however, for those not careful enough, they could face nasty consequences.
According to the Met Office, it will stay “mostly dry and settled with further warm sunshine” on Saturday and Sunday (May 17-18). As the weather heats up, people are being urged to ‘check themselves’ after coming back home, especially if they’ve been for a walk in a park. This is because ticks are more active during warmer months, generally from spring through autumn.
Taking to X to urge Brits to stay alert, the UKHSA said: “Planning a walk this weekend? #BeTickAware and don’t forget the essentials: long sleeves, long trousers, repellent, and tick remover. Ticks are common in grassy, wooded areas, so check yourself regularly during and after your walk.”
The impact of a tick bite that carries a disease can vary based on several factors. Young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems may experience more severe symptoms.
Not every tick poses a threat, however. Although ticks can carry diseases, including the common deer tick found in the UK, many do not carry any. Testing has shown that only about 30 to 35 per cent of deer ticks are infected with Lyme disease (borrelia burgdorferi), and fewer are known to carry babesia or anaplasmosis.
Even if a tick is infected, it doesn’t necessarily mean it will pass on the disease when it bites. For a tick to transmit these diseases, it needs to be fully embedded and engorged after feeding, which typically takes at least 24 to 36 hours of attachment.
What diseases can ticks cause?
Ticks pose a significant risk as they can spread several diseases to both humans and animals via their bites. Some well-known tick-borne illnesses are Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), and Babesiosis.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection primarily spread by deer ticks. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, headaches, and sometimes a distinctive bullseye rash. If not treated, it can result in serious long-term issues like arthritis and heart problems.
Another condition is tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). This is a viral infection found mainly in Europe and Asia, presenting with flu-like symptoms and potentially severe complications like brain inflammation.
Babesiosis, a parasitic infection caused by ticks, can cause fever and chills. In serious cases, it may harm red blood cells, resulting in hemolytic anaemia.
Anaplasmosis is another bacterial infection caused by ticks that can lead to flu-like symptoms and, in severe instances, complications such as pneumonia. Lastly, alpha-gal syndrome is an allergic reaction to red meat triggered by bites from the Lone Star tick.
Other dangers of ticks:
Tick bites can lead to irritation and discomfort, causing itching, redness, and swelling at the site of the bite. Some people might experience allergic reactions to tick saliva or other tick components, which can result in symptoms like hives, swelling, or even breathing difficulties.
Additionally, if a tick bite isn’t cleaned or treated properly, it may heighten the risk of secondary infections, such as cellulitis. Some symptoms from bites, like inflammation, may take two to three months to appear.
How can you avoid tick bites?
Stay clear of areas where ticks are common, particularly in grassy and wooded regions during their peak season in spring and summer. Dress appropriately by wearing long sleeves, long trousers, and closed-toe shoes when venturing into tick-prone environments.
Remember to apply insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 to any exposed skin. After outdoor activities, make it a habit to check yourself and your pets for ticks, focusing on spots like the armpits, groin, and scalp.
If you think you might have a tick-borne illness, it’s important to see a doctor. They can help diagnose and treat any symptoms you may have after a tick bite. Your doctor might also suggest some blood tests to check for tick-related diseases.
Can you remove a tick?
To remove a tick, you should:
- Use a tick removal device or fine-toothed tweezers to gently grip the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull steadily away from the skin without crushing the tick.
- Wash your skin with water and soap afterwards.
- Apply an antiseptic cream to the skin around the bite.
The NHS says: “Many pharmacies and outdoor stores sell tick removal devices. These are useful if you often spend time in areas where there are ticks. If the tick’s mouthparts break off in the skin and can’t be removed, this may cause irritation, but they should fall out naturally in time.
“Do not use a cigarette end, match head, alcohol or petroleum jelly on a tick. Once you’ve removed a tick, monitor the area where you were bitten. You do not need to speak to your GP if you’ve been bitten and have no symptoms.”
You should remove any ticks from yourself or your clothing before washing. You can use tweezers to remove a tick from your clothing or any other fabric (like a carpet or bedding). You could then tightly wrap the tick in tape and put it in an outside bin. You don’t need to disinfect clothing that has a tick on it.
Where are ticks found?
Ticks can be found in various habitats where mammals and birds reside, such as woodlands, moorlands, grassy fields, gardens, and parks. Since they cannot fly or jump, they latch onto animals or humans as they pass by.
When is tick season?
Tick season typically runs from March to October, but it can extend beyond that due to favourable weather conditions that keep them active longer. It’s important to stay vigilant about ticks throughout the year, as some symptoms from bites, like inflammation, may take two to three months to appear.
