It was originally thought to be imported from USA, Lyme County specifically, and only around found in the New Forest. Due to the increase in ticks, the last 3 years has seen more and more people picking up ticks and more people getting Lyme Disease. Recent R4 reports we now have more deer in the country than have had for rpevious 1,000 years, coupled with recent mild winters, there has been a populatiopn explosion.
Two summers ago the agency responsible for ticks were asking anyone anywhere to pickle the ticks and send them in. It seems to have worked as their information has now changed significantly.
I’m in Devon, 3 years ago a friend’s father nearly died after contracting lyme, a few isolated reports around, but last summer I had 4 cases just in my village! GP good, on the ball and confidently spotted the symptoms. Other GP’s not so good and some don’t even know about it…..
My neighbour working for Environment Agency now has it as ‘standing orders’ when visiting farms to check for ticks and be aware of symptoms in case of bite.
My school’s recent info for risk assessments sent from Devon County Council now has a bit on it, can’t quote it yet as not yet on our system.
So….
They now realise it is countrywide, always has been and was actually seen in 19th Century.
We always used oil to drop on them and let them swim out cos they can’t breath….. but no more.
ONLY …. use tick removal tools, followed by tweezers, or fingernails/cotton to lassoo and remove them. Anything like oil/cream/fags etc might ‘upset’ them as they leave, regurgitating guts and bacteria into you!!!!
Bullseye rash only occurs in about 50% of cases, if flue like symptoms or a general reaction occurs in location of bite get ye to doc’s fast.
Antibiotics can sort if caught early 2weeks ish, if not possible lasting damage. Friend has a colleague who got caught, now has lasting heart damage.
As someone said, those that know about it are extrmely concerned whilst the rest of world innocent!!
best of luck
Q