300 cases of Lyme Disease in South West during June
Figures come from UK Health Security Agency, which has issued advice on preventing tick bites
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) South West is advising individuals in the region to be cautious of tick bites this summer as the first annual Vector-Borne Disease Surveillance Report has revealed the South West as one of England's highest-risk areas for tick bites and diseases.
Published in collaboration with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), the report consolidates data on human, animal, and vector activity up to 2025, highlighting the evolving risk of vector-borne diseases in the country.
Tick Bite Risk in the South West
The South West recorded 281 laboratory-confirmed acute Lyme disease cases in 2025, making it the region with the second-highest number of cases in England. The area has consistently reported high annual cases of Lyme disease over the past five years and contributes significantly to the national Tick Surveillance Scheme annually since 2013.
Tick activity typically surges in late spring, with a peak expected in June. Despite the year-round occurrence of tick bites, individuals frequenting wooded areas, grasslands, and heathlands—habitats prevalent in the South West—are particularly susceptible.
Health Precautions
Jennifer Taylor, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA South West, emphasised the importance of vigilance: “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."
“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
To minimise the risk, we are encouraged to:
- Cover skin when visiting areas like long grass, bracken, and woodlands
- Use insect repellent on exposed skin
- Check for ticks on skin, clothing, as well as on children and pets post outdoor activities
- Promptly remove ticks using a tick removal device or fine-tipped tweezers
- Seek medical advice if symptoms like a rash, fever, or flu-like symptoms develop after a tick bite
The UKHSA says with Lyme disease being the most prevalent locally acquired vector-borne infection, and 1,168 laboratory-confirmed acute cases recorded in England for 2025, the necessity of awareness and preventive measures is crucial.