What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection which is caused by an infected tick bite.
What causes Lyme disease?
Ticks can be found all around the UK but not all of them are infected. The ticks that can cause infection are usually found in grassy woodland areas.
What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?
Lyme disease can be easier to treat if diagnosed early. Within a month of being bitten, a rash appears which can last for a few weeks. The rash can first appear like a circular bruise which may then get bigger.
Some people also experience flu like-symptoms including:
- High temperature
- Headache
- Muscle and joint pain
- Loss of energy
If treatment is delayed, symptoms can get worse, and these can include:
- Joint pain and swelling
- Heart problems
- Nerve pain
- Memory loss
In some cases, symptoms can last for years.
