How concerned should we be about Ticks and Lyme disease?
Last April, my girlfriend, our lurcher, and I embarked on a trip to the west coast of Scotland. On the first morning, while taking the dog for a run, I found myself scrambling up a steep hill covered in heather. Halfway up, I glanced down at the dog, only to be horrified by the sight of my legs. I was completely covered in ticks, the dog even worse. In a slight flap, I quickly brushed off the ticks and rushed back to the track, brushing off around 30 ticks from my legs along the way.
Feeling foolish for my Southern ignorance and remembering our dog's lack of tick protection, as we don't usually encounter ticks where we live. I called a local vet to get some more info and to get some medication for the hound. During this visit, I realised that even the vet was lacking in knowledge, and I was reminded of a warning I had received in 2017 during a Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician course. A GP had informed us that Lyme disease was a health crisis in Scotland, and the lack of awareness and information was akin to a cover-up.
"A little knowledge is a dangerous thing"
Reflecting on my limited knowledge of this mysterious disease and these unpleasant arachnids, I became increasingly concerned. It had been five years since that warning, and as someone in a high-risk group for tick bites, the lack of information was both worrisome and perplexing. Ticks were not discussed during my forestry studies or in my DSC1 certification which seems crazy.
While delving into the reasons behind this lack of information is beyond the scope of this blog, my aim is to provide readers with a crash course in tick and Lyme disease information. I will cover the most crucial details and dispel some myths to ensure readers are adequately informed.
As you would imagine there are several conspiracy theories about ticks and Lyme disease and their origins. One such theory is that the US government developed Lyme disease as a bioweapon back in the mid to late 1900s. Given recent events it becomes fairly easy to start down these rabbit holes, however, as I’ve discovered they don't lead you anywhere. If you are interested check out this article published in 2019 https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/jul/16/pentagon-review-weaponised-ticks-lyme-disease
The Life Cycle
Understanding the life cycle of ticks is key to assessing our risk and knowing what to look out for. Ticks go through a four-stage life cycle: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. After the female tick lays her eggs, they hatch into six-legged larvae that attach themselves to small animals or birds for a blood meal, often acquiring the Lyme-causing bacterium in the process. Once engorged, they molt into eight-legged nymphs, which is the stage where humans need to be particularly cautious. Nymphs seek out larger hosts for another blood meal. Subsequently, nymphs molt into adult ticks, which feed on larger hosts and reproduce. After mating, female adult ticks lay thousands of eggs, restarting the cycle.
The life cycle typically takes two to three years to complete, although this can vary depending on the tick species and environmental factors like temperature and humidity. T
We are vulnerable to tick bites from the nymph stage through the adult stage, with nymph ticks often being very small, about the size of a poppy seed.
Contracting Lyme disease occurs through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks. These ticks are commonly found in wooded or grassy areas. It's important to note that not all ticks carry Lyme disease; estimates suggest that around 5% of ticks are infected, though this figure is somewhat disputed. Ticks become infected with the bacteria by feeding on infected animals, primarily mice, voles, and rabbits, during their juvenile stage. It is important to understand that ticks do not acquire the bacteria from deer, contrary to popular belief. Once infected, ticks can transmit the bacteria to humans when they bite and feed on our blood. However, the duration of attachment is significant. The longer the tick remains attached to the skin, the greater the likelihood of engorgement and transmission of the disease so staying vigilant and removing the tick properly is key to keeping safe.
The future for ticks
The future of Lyme disease and ticks in the UK is uncertain. What's certain though is that Climate change and the increasing movement of people and animals around the globe are contributing to the spread of ticks and tick-borne illnesses.
As our climate warms, tick populations expand their range and are becoming active for longer periods of the year. This means that more people may be exposed to ticks and the diseases they carry.
However, there is also a growing awareness of the risks of tick-borne illnesses and efforts are being made to improve prevention and treatment. Although the UK is still alarmingly behind the curve on this. Public health campaigns are raising awareness of the need to check for ticks after spending time outdoors and to take steps to prevent tick bites. Researchers are also developing new diagnostic tools and treatments for tick-borne illnesses and we await a promised vaccine against Lyme.
It's going to be important to continue monitoring tick populations and the spread of tick-borne illnesses. By staying informed and taking steps to reduce exposure to ticks those of us in the high-risk groups can protect themselves from these diseases. Additionally, continued research and innovation into developing effective prevention and treatment strategies for tick-borne illnesses will be key.
Should we be worried
Probably but honestly where would that get us? There are many many things out there that will mess you up or worse and yes Lyme or tick-borne encephalitis could be one of them. In the grand scheme of things it's just another thing to get educated about, be sensible with and spread the word on.
For me, the most dangerous thing you could do is not spend time in the great outdoors.
Below is some useful information on Tick I.D., Tick born illness symptoms and info on how to remove these little bastards. The information below has been referenced from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/ and https://www.thedeerinitiative.co.uk/uploads/guides/118.pdf
The information below is given as a guide, if you are at all worried about ticks or a tick bite please seek professional help as quickly as possible.
The deer tick, also known as the black-legged tick ( Ixodes ricinus ) and the hedgehog tick (Ixodes hexagonus), are both common carriers of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Here are some tips on how to identify this type of tick:
Size: Deer ticks are small, usually less than 1/8 inch (3 mm) in length. They can be difficult to see with the naked eye.
Colour: Deer ticks have a reddish-brown body with a darker brown head. The legs are black.
Shape: Like other ticks, deer ticks have an oval-shaped body that expands when they feed on blood.
Mouthparts: Deer ticks have mouthparts that are visible when viewed from above. The mouthparts are long and pointed, and they are used to pierce the skin and feed on blood.
Habitat: Deer ticks are commonly found in wooded areas and areas with tall grasses. They can also be found in gardens and on pets.
It's important to note that there are many other species of ticks, some of which can also transmit diseases to humans.
What to do if bitten and How to remove a tick
If you have been bitten by a tick, it's important to remove the tick as soon as possible to reduce the risk of infection. Here are the steps to follow for safe tick removal:
Use purpose-built tick removers and follow the instructions closely. Life system and smidge make a great tick-removing card.
Pull slowly: Pull the tick straight out with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk the tick, as this can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin.
Save the tick: If possible, save the tick in a sealed container for identification in case you develop symptoms of a tick-borne illness.
Monitor for symptoms: Watch for symptoms such as fever, rash, headache, or muscle aches in the days and weeks following the tick bite. If you develop any of these symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.
not all tick bites result in illness, but it's always best to take precautions and seek medical attention if you develop any symptoms. By following safe tick removal procedures and monitoring for symptoms, you can reduce the risk of tick-borne illness.
Symptoms and signs to look out for post bite
Rash: A rash that appears within a few days to a few weeks after the bite can be a sign of Lyme disease. The rash may be circular or bullseye-shaped and can appear anywhere on the body.
Flu-like symptoms: Symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches can occur in the days or weeks after a tick bite and may be a sign of tick-borne illness.
Joint pain: Joint pain and swelling, particularly in the knees, can be a sign of Lyme disease.
Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms can occur in some cases of tick-borne illness.
Neurological symptoms: In rare cases, tick-borne illnesses can cause neurological symptoms such as confusion, seizures, and paralysis.
If you develop any of these symptoms after a tick bite, seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment of tick-borne illnesses can help prevent complications and long-term health problems. Remember to always check for ticks after spending time outdoors and take steps to prevent tick bites, such as wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent.