Ah, summer. The season for beautiful blooms, delicious barbecues, and, uh… Lyme disease?
The tick-borne disease is on the rise on the UK. “The total number of confirmed Lyme disease cases reported in the first quarter of 2023 (n=152) was higher than in the same time period in 2022 (n=139).” say the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in a new release.
And cases grow in summer, because ticks thrive in warmer, more humid temperatures. They like shady and moist areas, and hang around tall grasses and short shrubs in woods, parks, and gardens – which we tend to visit more in summer.
“Not all ticks in the UK carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, but it’s important to remove it as soon as possible and get your bite checked. The NHS says it is often easier to treat if it’s diagnosed early,” The Evening Standard shared.
