As we enter peak tick season, a growing concern among Brits is the risk of Lyme disease from lounging in long grass. Celebrities like Charli xcx have sparked public discussion by sharing their own stress about tick bites while filming music videos or enjoying the great outdoors. But what exactly are the risks, and can simply taking a leisurely stroll through Hampstead Heath really put you at risk?
Julia Knight of Lyme Disease UK warns that vigilance is key during this time of year. Ticks may look like tiny insects, but they're actually arachnids that feed on blood and transmit diseases. Traditionally associated with heathland and forests, ticks are increasingly being found in urban parks and gardens across the UK, making them a risk to people from all walks of life.
Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in the UK, and if left undiagnosed or untreated, it can lead to serious health problems including heart issues, joint pain and swelling, and nerve damage. According to NHS data, the number of ticks and confirmed cases of Lyme disease have been rising steadily since the first recorded case in 1985, partly due to warmer winters allowing ticks to stay active throughout the year.
While infected ticks can be found across every county in the UK, areas like the Scottish Highlands, parts of south and south-west England, and East Anglia are considered higher risk. However, it's difficult to get an accurate picture of how widespread Lyme disease really is, as official figures only account for laboratory-confirmed cases. Many instances go uncounted, particularly when antibiotics are prescribed without a blood test, suggesting the actual number of cases may be significantly higher than reported.
To reduce your risk, experts advise taking precautions when spending time outdoors in grassy or wooded areas. This includes covering exposed skin, sticking to designated pathways, using insect repellent, and carefully inspecting your body for ticks after returning indoors. Remember, nymph-stage ticks are tiny – about the size of a poppy seed – and often drawn to warmer areas of the body, making it essential to check hidden crevices like behind knees, under armpits, and in hairlines.