BRITS holidaying in the UK have been warned about deadly tick bites and told to cover their skin.
The blood-sucking pests, usually found in grassy and wooded areas, can trigger Lyme disease as well as cause heart attack, paralysis and arthritis.
The current heatwave has caused a surge in ticks looking for warm-blooded passers-by to feast on, including dog walkers and their beloved pets.
There has been a huge surge in cases in recent years.
While just 30 cases were recorded in 1996 this has shot up to more than 1,700 infections a year.
On average, eight Brits a day catch Lyme disease from ticks.
Vets have reported a surge in cases of animals needing the tiny parasites removed, the Mirror reports.
HOW TO TREAT A TICK BITE
Wash the area of the tick bite with a lot of warm, clean water.
Then apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, lightly to the wound.
This will keep the bite from sticking to the bandage.
After removing the tick, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
However, a victim of a tick bite may only realise they have been attacked when a lump, blister or circular “bulls-eye” rash appears on the skin, usually some three weeks later.
Professor 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 has advised walkers to protect themselves by avoiding “dense vegetation” as well as covering their skin and tucking their trousers into their socks.
Powys County Council in Wales issued a tick alert last month, urging locals to use insect repellent if they were heading outside.
A tick can only cause Lyme disease in humans if the insect has already bitten an infected animal.
Source: Read Full Article
