Lyme disease - on the increase in Ireland

Lyme disease is an infection that is transmitted through the bite of a tick infected with a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi.   Ticks tend to go for sensitive areas of skin (under arms/groin area/behind ears) and therefore can go unnoticed. As soon as you find a tick, remove it using tweezers. Apply antiseptic and be aware of symptoms in the following days.  

Symptoms.  An eexpanding area of redness at the site of a tick bite which is neither itchy nor painful.  Some people report flu-like symptoms - fever, chills, headaches, and muscle aches. 

Treatment. Lyme disease can be cured using antibiotics, especially when the infection is diagnosed and treated early.

Avoid getting bitten.   Try to avoid bushy areas and long grass. Spray yourself and clothes with insect repellent (20%-30% DEET) before going out. Wash and dry clothes at high temperature.   Check your body for ticks especially ears, under the arms, behind knees, and the scalp. Remember, dogs can carry ticks home so checking them for ticks after a trip to the countryside is very important.

Further information
Check out Tick Talk Ireland on their website www.ticktalkireland.org

Charlotte Rosemond, Acting Communications Officer, WUC.