Disease fears over ticks

8:26am Wednesday 8th August 2007

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A POPULATION explosion of ticks hitting West Dorset could spark infectious diseases, it was warned today.

Gill Reese, who is founder of the Lyme Disease Action charity, claimed that the bugs have been thriving in this summer's wet conditions.

She fears that the creatures may pose a danger to anyone walking in woodland, moorland and other grassy areas.

Mrs Reese, of Forston, near Charminster, helps sufferers of the debilitating Lyme disease, which is one of the infections potentially carried by ticks.

She said: "Ticks can carry a number of diseases but the most common is Lyme disease.

"Normally at this time of year the hot, dry summer causes ticks to try and seek damp places like the roots of grass and root mould, but because it's been so wet they haven't died or gone to hide.

"I've never seen anything like the number of ticks that my family alone are picking up in Dorset.

"It's a huge problem for anyone who goes out in the countryside.

"It's a very nasty disease that affects every part of your body and is rather difficult to diagnose."

Some Lyme disease victims develop a reddish-pink rash called erythema migrans, which spreads out from the site of a bite after three to 30 days.

The bacteria enters the bloodstream through the bite.

Sufferers may become feverish and have enlarged lymph glands near to the site of the rash. They may also complain of aches, pains, fatigue, chills, headaches and vomiting but also suffer an enlarged spleen.

The disease is treated by antibiotics which can help prevent later complications, such as meningitis and heart disorders. Arthritis can appear up to two years after the first symptoms.

Ticks are tiny bloodsuckers related to spiders and mites. They feed on animal hosts, mostly deer, as well as humans.

Mrs Reese was struck down with Lyme disease and became seriously ill 10 years ago after picking ticks off her dog. Her illness prompted her to launch the national support group.

The Lyme Disease Action charity is currently lobbying MPs to raise the issue of greater awareness about the threats posed by ticks.

Lyme disease is not a notifiable disease although GPs reports some cases to the authorities.

Dorset Health Protection Team figures showed that there were 768 cases nationally in 2006 compared with 300 in 2003.

In Dorset the number reported went up from 17 in 2005 to 30 in 2006, including 11 in West Dorset.

It said that the number of cases reported may have gone up because campaigns about the condition.

Dorset Primary Care Trust spokesman Teresa Newton said it was down to GPs to report cases.

"We don't know officially that there are any more ticks than usual but it's a sensible thing for people to be wary of at this time of year.

"The symptoms vary quite considerably but it's important for people to take the tick off as soon as they spot them and if they do become unwell they should see their GP."

She added: "The last one was reported on July 1, and as far as we know there haven't been any serious cases in the recent past."

People are urged to be aware of ticks in woodland and heathland where deer may live. Walkers are urged to wear long sleeved shirts and trousers as well as insect repellent.

Light coloured clothes are advised so the ticks can be spotted.

To find out more about the support group click here.