How to spot ticks and tick bites
Health officials have advised Britons to protect themselves against ticks after they said that tick-borne encephalitis is “likely” to be present in the UK.
The assessment, published by a joint UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Defra committee, came after the first domestically acquired case of the virus was confirmed in Yorkshire.
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is already common in many parts of Europe, and is an important cause of viral infections in the central nervous system, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
It can cause a range of illnesses from completely asymptomatic infection, to mild flu-like illness, to severe infection in the central nervous system such as meningitis or encephalitis – a potentially deadly condition in which the brain becomes swollen.
However, while the tick species that carries the virus is widespread across the UK, the joint committee added that the risk to the public is very low.
How to avoid tick bites
Ticks are generally found in dense woodland or moorland and can bite humans if you drift into their habitat.
They often bite warm parts of the body such as the groin, armpit, hairline and behind the knee.
Health officials say there are ways to minimise the risk.
Covering your skin during outdoor walks – including tucking your trousers into your socks – is recommended, while wearing light coloured clothing will make it easier to spot a tick.
Insect-repellents containing DEET should be used before walking, health officials added, while walking on clearly marked paths will help to avoid brushing with vegetation that might house ticks.
Finally, check clothing and body regularly – ticks usually bite adults on the legs, while children and pets are usually bitten on the head or neck.
How to spot and remove a tick
Ticks are small arachnids, related to spiders, mites and scorpions.
The Woodland Trust says: "Ticks resemble tiny spiders and are generally reddish, dark brown or black in colour. If you are bitten, the tick will look like a small dark protrusion on your skin. The size of a tick can vary, but they are often no larger than a sesame seed (1-3mm). After feeding they can swell to the size of a coffee bean."
Lighter-coloured clothing makes it easier to spot a tick and they can be brushed off easily.
Ticks should be removed as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of infection. However, a bite from a tick may not be immediately noticeable as they are small and do not always cause pain.
Skin should be checked thoroughly after a walk outside and if you spot one on you, they can be removed with fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool.
The NHS advice states that the tick should be grasped as close to the skin as possible and pulled upwards slowly and firmly due to mouthparts left in the skin being able to cause infection.
Once removed, clean the bite area using antibacterial wash or soap and water and monitor the area for several weeks for any signs of infection.
Nothing more needs to be done unless you begin to feel unwell with flu-like symptoms or develop a spreading circular rash.
Should you notice any of these symptoms, you should contact your GP.
Urgent medical attention should be sought if you begin suffering severe headaches, stiff neck, sudden confusion and weakness in the arms and legs.
