NHS issues warning about a potentially deadly bacterial infection that can be lethal if left untreated, as reported by Wales Online. The NHS alerts the public to a bacterial illness that typically peaks from April to July, primarily transmitted through tick bites that require prompt removal. According to the NHS, ticks have the potential to carry bacteria causing Lyme disease, underscoring the importance of prompt and safe tick removal. Current data show that around 4% of ticks in England and Wales may carry Lyme disease, with infection rates varying by region and year, reaching as high as 10% in some areas.
Tick bites are often initially unnoticed but can later manifest as an oval or circular rash within one to four weeks or even up to three months post-bite, lasting several weeks. The rash may appear different on varying skin tones, being pink, purple, or red on white skin, and bruise-like on black or brown skin. Flu-like symptoms post-bite are commonly reported, including fever, headaches, aches, fatigue, among others, shared by the Mirror via the Daily Record. Should Lyme disease remain untreated, severe consequences such as neurological complications and Lyme carditis can arise, where the bacteria invade heart tissue.
The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention warn that Lyme carditis can disrupt the heart’s electrical signals between its chambers, potentially leading to symptoms like dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, palpitations, or chest pain. Patients with Lyme carditis may also exhibit other typical Lyme disease symptoms such as fever, body aches, and the characteristic rash. Proper tick removal technique is crucial once a tick has attached to the skin, with the NHS providing detailed guidance on the correct procedure. This essential knowledge underscores the importance of awareness in preventing the spread and potential consequences of Lyme disease.
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