What Causes Lyme Disease.

Lyme Disease is caused by bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi which is spread by the bite of a tick.  Ticks are tiny spider like creatures with three life-cycle stages, the smallest of which is about the size of a pinhead.  They are frequently found in woodland, moorland and other grassy areas, where they feed on the blood of mammals (eg deer) and birds. They are usually found close to the ground, especially in moist, shaded areas.

Who is at Risk?

Ramblers, campers, mountainbikers, and people who work and walk in forested/grassy areas are at greatest risk of being bitten by ticks and developing Lyme Disease, but even in these groups, the risk is low.

What are the symptoms of Lyme Disease?

The first symptom of Lyme Disease is often a rash (erythema migrans) that can appear 3 to 30 days after a tick bite.  It starts as a small red dot at the bite site but may grow larger with time.  The centre of the spot often fades creating a characteristic "bull's-eye" appearance. Other symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, stiff neck, fatigue, muscle aches and joint pain.  Occasionally, a severe form of Lyme Disease can develop and the heart, joints or the nervous system can be affected.

For more details see:

https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/vectorborne/lymedisease/informationforthepublic/factsheetsforthegeneralpublic/Lyme%20DL%20April2017%20-%20D2.pdf

Further important information to protect against Lyme disease is available on the Health Protection Surveillance Centre

Read more at Tick Talk Ireland