THE UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging people to take steps to protect themselves against tick bites this summer, as the latest annual data shows there were 1,581 laboratory confirmed cases of Lyme disease reported in 2024.
Numbers fluctuate year-on-year and while cases have fallen by 5.2% in 2024 compared to 2023, the UKHSA say the number of confirmed cases is likely an underestimate of the true burden of Lyme disease in England.
The agency also stressed the importance of seeking treatment as soon as possible if you start to develop symptoms of Lyme disease after a tick bite. Some people may not notice that they have been bitten as ticks are small and their bites rarely cause pain, which is why it’s important to check for ticks on all parts of the body soon after spending time outdoors in spring and summer.
Lyme disease is an infection that can be acquired when someone is bitten by an infected tick. Not all ticks are infected and not everyone who is bitten by an infected tick will develop Lyme disease. To pass on the infection, the tick needs to be attached for many hours. You are unlikely to develop Lyme disease if you just see a tick crawling on you which has not yet attached and fed.
In those that do develop Lyme disease, a spreading ‘bullseye’ rash at the site of the tick bite is the most common symptom, which develops between three to 30 days after the bite. The rash does not occur in all cases and other symptoms include a fever, headache and fatigue, a facial droop, nerve pains and numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
While cases were reported across all regions, most confirmed cases in 2024 were reported in people living in the South West, South East and London regions.
Tick season runs from March until October, with a peak from June to September when the risk of exposure increases.
Lyme disease can be successfully treated with antibiotics so if you do notice these symptoms after a tick bite, it is important to contact your GP to ensure you receive prompt treatment if needed.
“It’s really important that people continue to be tick aware this summer to protect themselves against Lyme disease,” said Christina Petridou, Consultant Microbiologist at UKHSA.
“The disease is usually acquired when spending time outdoors in green spaces, which people do more of in the summer months. After spending time in nature, people should take precautions such as checking for ticks and promptly and safely removing them which will reduce chances of infection.
“While not all ticks carry the bacteria that cause Lyme disease and not all bites will result in human infection, it’s still important to check for ticks when you return from outdoor activities. If you notice any symptoms like a spreading circular rash, flu-like symptoms, nerve pain or a droop on one or both sides of the face within a few weeks of being bitten by a tick, contact your GP or dial NHS 111.”
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