Government urges people to 'Be Tick Aware' as Lyme disease season begins

For this year's Tick Awareness Day, the Government are urging everyone to “Be Tick Aware” as it is peak Lyme disease season.

Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeil, is marking Tick Awareness Day by asking people to take preventive steps to protect themselves against tick bites.

There are increased cases of tick bites and Lyme disease during this time of year, as outdoor activity increases.

Lyme disease is an infection transmitted to humans by the bite of infected ticks and can lead to serious illness.

Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said: “As we enjoy the outdoors in the coming months, it's really important that people know that a few simple steps can significantly reduce the risk of tick bites.

“Simple measures such as covering up, using insect repellent, checking for ticks and removing any tick promptly after time spent outdoors can make a real difference.

​“Tick Awareness Day is an important opportunity to get this message out clearly, and I welcome the work the HSE is doing to ensure people have the information they need to protect themselves and their families.

You don’t need to avoid the outdoors; you just need to be tick aware.”

​Every year in early May, the HSE provides advice on the prevention of tick bites; they do this through a campaign which focuses on common tick habitats, activities that increase the risk, prevention measures and safely removing ticks.

​Mary Horgan, Chief Medical Officer at the HSE, said: “Ticks are found right across Ireland, and most people who are bitten do not become ill.

​“Lyme disease can occasionally cause serious health problems if not diagnosed and treated early, so awareness is key.

​“People should know where ticks are commonly found, check their skin after spending time outdoors, and seek medical advice promptly if they develop symptoms such as a rash spreading outward from a bite site or flu-like symptoms following a tick bite.”