South West residents advised to take precautions as Lyme disease cases rise
Government issue tick advice as region records nearly 300 Lyme disease cases
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) South West is advising residents and visitors to take precautions against tick bites this summer following the release of the One Health Vector-Borne Disease Surveillance Report.
Published alongside the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), the report offers insights into vector-borne disease risks in England, specifically highlighting the threat posed by Lyme disease.
In 2025, the South West recorded 281 laboratory-confirmed acute Lyme disease cases, the second-highest in England, reflecting a consistent pattern of high cases over the past years.
With the highest rates of tick bite reports since 2013, the South West remains a high-risk area for tick-related incidents, particularly in habitats such as grasslands, woodlands, and heathlands.
Across England, Lyme disease remains the prevalent locally acquired vector-borne infection, with 1,168 confirmed cases in 2025, up from 959 in 2024.
Tick activity typically intensifies in late spring, peaking in June, but can occur year-round.
People should immediately remove ticks with an appropriate device or fine-tipped tweezers after exposure and monitor for symptoms like spreading rashes, flu-like illness, or fatigue.
Jennifer Taylor, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA South West, urged precautionary measures:
"The South West is consistently one of the regions with the highest rates of tick bites and tick-borne disease in England, and that pattern continued in 2025. Our beautiful landscapes are part of what makes this region special, but they are also habitats where ticks thrive. We want people to continue enjoying the outdoors this summer, but to take simple precautions: cover up where you can, check yourself and your children for ticks after being outside, and remove any ticks promptly. If you develop symptoms after a tick bite, please seek medical advice."
How to reduce your risk
Cover your skin when walking in areas where ticks may be present, such as long grass, bracken, and woodland
Use insect repellent on exposed skin
Check for ticks on your skin and clothing during and after being outdoors, including on children and pets
Remove any ticks as soon as possible using a tick removal device or fine-tipped tweezers
Seek medical advice if you develop a rash, fever, or flu-like symptoms after a tick bite