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Public Health England (PHE) is urging people to be 'tick aware' during the warmer weather, following the rise in Lyme disease cases in recent years. Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks €“ tiny blood-sucking parasites that live in woodlands, grasslands and sometimes, in urban parks and gardens, and which are most active in spring, summer and autumn.

Cases have ranged from 950 to 1,050 each year in England and Wales for the past three years. The initial symptom is usually a rash, often followed by a flu-like illness, but if untreated, the infection can cause serious complications. Dr Tim Brooks, PHE spokesperson, said: €There is not yet an effective vaccine against Lyme disease, so tick awareness, avoidance of tick infested areas if possible, the use of appropriate clothing in areas where ticks are common and early removal of attached ticks remain the most important prevention measures people can take to protect themselves and their families€.

Tick awareness leaflets are available to order from: www.hpa.org.uk