Britons are being urged to contact NHS 111 immediately if they notice a distinctive bullseye-shaped rash appearing on their skin, which could be an early sign of Lyme disease. This illness is primarily transmitted through tick bites, and awareness is crucial for timely treatment.
Ticks are tiny, spider-like parasites often found in long grass, where they latch onto animals and humans alike. The growing deer population in the UK has contributed to an increase in tick numbers, raising the risk of Lyme disease across many regions.
When feeding on a host, ticks can transmit viruses and infections, with Lyme disease being the most common. While antibiotics can effectively treat Lyme disease when caught early, delays in diagnosis may result in serious health complications.
READ MORE: Somerset Set for Glorious Sunshine Throughout Bank Holiday Weekend and Beyond
READ MORE: RAC Urges UK Drivers to Perform Crucial Safety Checks Ahead of Bank Holiday Travel
The NHS highlights that a circular or oval rash developing around a tick bite site can indicate Lyme disease. This rash generally appears within one to four weeks after the bite but may surface as late as three months afterward, lasting several weeks. On lighter skin, it may look pink, red, or purple—sometimes flat or slightly raised—while on darker skin, it can resemble a bruise and be harder to detect. The rash often resembles a bullseye pattern, similar to a dartboard.
In addition to the rash, other common Lyme disease symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes. Those who have been bitten by a tick, or visited areas known to harbor infected ticks within the last three months, are advised to seek urgent medical advice via an NHS GP or 111 service if these symptoms appear.
Recent data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) confirm 1,168 laboratory-confirmed acute Lyme disease cases in England during 2025. This number surpasses the 2024 total of 959 cases and aligns closely with 2023’s 1,151 cases. Although Lyme disease rates fluctuate annually due to weather, climate, habitat, and host population changes, the overall distribution of ticks across the UK has been increasing.
Tick bites can occur year-round but tend to peak in late spring and early summer, with Lyme disease cases following a similar seasonal trend. Public health officials emphasize the importance of taking simple precautions: avoid tick bites, remain vigilant for symptoms after outdoor exposure, and promptly remove ticks with fine-tipped tweezers or a designated tick removal device, following careful instructions.
The report also notes two probable cases of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) complex identified in 2025, underscoring the wider health risks posed by ticks.
Lyme disease results from infection by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, found in approximately 10% of ticks in the UK. While not all tick bites lead to infection, early detection and treatment are essential to prevent severe effects such as arthritis, neurological symptoms, and heart problems.
To minimize risk:
- Avoid walking through dense vegetation or long grass.
- Wear protective clothing and use insect repellent when outdoors.
- Check your body thoroughly for ticks after spending time in tick-prone areas.
If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it as quickly and safely as possible to reduce the likelihood of infection.
Prompt action and awareness remain the best defense against Lyme disease as cases rise across the UK.