Experts are warning Brits to look out for a rise in a rare disease this spring.
Lyme disease is usually spread to human by a bite from an infected tick and cause a range of severe symptoms, depending on how many infections the ticks are carrying.
The government has estimated around 3,000 to 4,000 cases of the disease every year in England and Wales.
But, data published in 2019 has revealed the real numbers could be around three times higher.
The disease is an infection caused by a spiral-shaped bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi.
It is estimated that around 10% of ticks in the UK carry Lyme disease, the ECHO reports.
Ticks have been found across every county of the UK and are mainly found in grassy areas and woodland, but have also been found in urban parks and gardens.
They vary in size, with some being as small as a poppy seed and others growing to the size of a baked bean.
The mite are usually found in grassy areas, waiting for a human to brush past before they transfer onto the host.
They'll then find a warm spot to embed itself into and inject a local anaesthetic which makes their bite painless.
The ticks will often attach themselves to the hairline, axillae, or groin areas of the body, so many people don’t realise they’ve been bitten.
In cases of Lyme disease, it is usually a race against time and the infection is quicker to treat the quicker it is diagnosed.
According to the NHS, people should look out for a circular or oval shape rash around a tick bite can be an early symptom of Lyme disease in some people.
The rash can appear up to 3 months after being bitten by an infected tick, but usually appears within 1 to 4 weeks.
It can last for several weeks.
Other symptoms include a high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery, headache, muscle and joint pain, and tiredness and loss of energy.
Some people with Lyme disease develop more severe symptoms, including joint pain and swelling, nerve problems, memory problems and heart problems, months or years after the infection.
May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month and the Lyme Disease UK charity is hoping to raise awareness and keep people vigilant.
It's urging people to:
Take effective tick repellent on outdoor trips and a tick removal tool.
Permethrin-treated outdoor clothing should also be considered for high-risk activities and occupations.
Avoid walking through long grass and stick to pathways wherever possible.
Wear light-coloured clothing, as this will make it easier to spot ticks and brush them off.
Wear long sleeves and tuck trousers into socks.
Shower and carry out a thorough tick check on yourself, children, and pets when you get home.
Remember that ticks can be as small as poppy seeds, so careful checking is key. Pay special attention to the hairline and behind the ears of young children.
Talk to your vet about tick prevention products for pets and check them daily for ticks.
One charity spokesman said: "Ticks should be removed using a tick removal tool, or a pair of very fine-tipped tweezers, making sure that all parts of the tick are removed.
"A tick remover should be an essential part of any first aid kit."
