People holidaying in Britain are being warned to cover bare skin to avoid catching Lyme disease from ticks.
The blood-sucking pests – which are usually found in grassy and wooded areas – can trigger the illness, causing heart attacks, paralysis and arthritis.
Experts warn the sudden heatwave has led to a surge in ticks hunting warm-blooded passers-by to latch on to – including dog walkers and their pets. Vets have reported a surge in cases of animals needing the tiny parasites removed.
Often, a victim only realises they’ve been bitten when a lump, blister or circular “bulls-eye” rash appears on the skin around three weeks later.
What do you think? Have your say in comments below
Prof Sally Cutler, of the University of East London, said: “Many people have rediscovered the countryside during Covid and will be taking holidays in the UK.
“Following the recent rain and with nice conditions now, the temperature, humidity and
timing is ideal for ticks.”
The Woodland Trust advises walkers to protect themselves by avoiding “dense vegetation”, covering their skin and tucking their trousers into their socks.
On average, eight Brits a day catch Lyme disease from ticks.
While just 30 cases were recorded in 1996, there are now more than 1,700 infections a year.
Last month, Powys County Council in Wales issued a tick alert and urged residents heading outdoors to use insect repellent.
A tick bite can only cause Lyme disease in humans if the tick has already bitten an infected animal.
