Public Health England issues Lyme disease awareness message

Public Health England has issued a call to people across the country to educate themselves on the health risks posed by Lyme disease.

To coincide with the World Health Organization's World Health Day event on April 7th 2014, the government department underlined the importance of being aware of the tick-borne condition, which is especially prevalent during the summer months.

Ticks are found in woodlands, grasslands, heathland and sometimes in urban parks and gardens. Most common in spring, summer and autumn, the insects can transmit the bacterial infection through their bites, with between 950 and 1,050 people diagnosed with Lyme disease annually in England and Wales.

At first, the only symptom of Lyme disease is a rash, but this can soon develop into flu-like symptoms and have a more serious impact on the muscles, joints, heart and nervous system if left untreated.

Better awareness, avoidance of tick-infested areas, use of appropriate clothing and early removal of attached ticks are therefore essential.

Dr Tim Brooks, head of Public Health England's rare and imported pathogens laboratory, said: "There is not yet an effective vaccine against Lyme disease so [these] remain the most important prevention measures people can take to protect themselves and their families."