Health chiefs warn of tick threat (From The Westmorland Gazette)
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Health chiefs warn of tick threat
8:50pm Monday 6th August 2012 in Farm & country
By Scott Kirk, Reporter
Environmental health officers at South Lakeland District Council are warning walkers and mountain bikers about the risk of disease from tick bites.
Serious infections, including Lyme disease, are spread by ticks which can affect the skin, nervous and respiratory systems and major organs.
Ticks prefer wooded areas, long grass and bracken –especially where deer, sheep and other animals are found – and can carry harmful bacteria which are passed on when they bite.
The health officers are urging people venturing outside to take care to avoid being bitten: * Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers; * Wear gaiters or tuck trousers into socks; * Use insect repellent containing DEET; * Check skin and clothes at the end of the walk for ticks; * Always check children and pets for ticks.
The majority of people who are bitten do not become ill, but anyone who gets symptoms like skin rashes, chills, fever, headaches, joint and muscle pain, tiredness and loss of appetite should see a doctor.
Information is available on the council website at www.southlakeland. gov.uk or www.tick bite preventionweek.org.
