Published April 2022

Despite the vagaries of the weather, we are now in to the season when ticks really start to make their presence known (I have already found one this month), so please be aware of the possibility of picking them up, whenever you walk through long grass and vegetation in the countryside.

Whilst we shouldn’t be afraid of venturing outdoors, please take sensible precautions, such as wearing long sleeves and trousers tucked into socks and applying insect repellent to exposed skin.  Also, make sure you check yourself over for ticks, at the end of the day.

This is important because some ticks can carry a bacterial infection called Lyme disease, which they can pass to you through their bite.  If you develop a circular, target-shaped rash around a bite or develop flu-like symptoms, such as aching joints, fatigue and head-aches, then see your G.P. as soon as possible.  Treatment is through a course of antibiotics and works best the earlier it is administered.

Sussex Wildlife Trust have produced an information leaflet bearing the Trust logo and using information provided by Public Health England.  You can print and use/issue these as you wish.  You can find them attached.

For more detailed information, please see the page on the NHS Choices website, at the following address:

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Lyme-disease/Pages/Introduction.aspx