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LYME DISEASE AND OTHER TICK BORNE ILLNESS.
Those of you who regularly pursue outdoor activity may be aware of the increased numbers of ticks around. Ticks are small, blood sucking arthropods related to spiders, mites and scorpions. The smallest tick being the size of a poppy seed.
Some people trained and working in horticulture and forestry are advised of the dangers of these illnesses but not so we hobby gardeners. Three of the diseases that can be caught from a tick bite in Britain are, Lyme Borreliosis, Babesiosis and Ehrichiosis.
Lyme Disease is caused by bacteria called Borrelia. Early symptoms can develop within weeks. They may include tiredness, chills, fever, headache, muscle and/or joint pain, swollen lymph glands and blurred vision.
A characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans is likely to appear, but may not in some circumstances. It is generally a circular rash that may clear in the centre, resulting in a "Bull's eye" appearance. It can expand and move around the body.
If early symptoms are not recognised, serious complications can develop weeks, months, or even years later. Later stage symptoms include arthritis in the large joints, which can recur over many years. Nervous system problems are common, e.g. numbness, meningitis (with fever, stiff neck and severe headache), Bell's palsy (paralysis of the facial muscles) and memory problems. Some people experience irregularities of heart rhythm.
Lyme Disease should be diagnosed by a physical examination and medical history. This clinical diagnosis may in some cases be supported by laboratory testing. Diagnosis based on tests alone is not reliable - a negative result does not mean that the disease is not present. Symptoms can mimic those of other diseases. Diagnosis is easiest when there is a skin rash but this occurs in under 50% of patients.
There are 'hotspot' locations throughout Britain including The New Forest and the Central London Parks as well as many other areas but there is evidence to support that one can be infected throughout the UK, and this includes gardens and allotments.
The majority of people who are bitten by a tick, do not experience disease symptoms. In some instances this will be because the tick was not infected. In other cases people can remain asymptomatic ( without symptoms) although they do carry the disease. The majority of people infected may never make the link between their illness and a tick bite.
Doctors are taught that Lyme Disease is rare in the UK and so rarely consider it as a possible diagnosis. If treated at the time of the bite or rash this can prevent further complications sometimes many years later.
Wearing long sleeves and tucking trousers in socks are good precautionary measures as are regular checks for ticks as you cannot feel them bite.
More information on Lyme Disease can be found on the Lyme Disease Action charity website.
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