Lyme Disease Awareness Month (1-31 May)

Lyme disease is still on the rise in Scotland. It is caused by being bitten by an infected tick and can be serious if not treated. Campaign resources are available to help you spread the word throughout May, Lyme Disease Awareness Month.

To help increase awareness of tick bites and the symptoms of Lyme disease, stakeholder materials have been developed in a bid to encourage the public to be more tick aware and take precautions when spending time outdoors. Materials highlight the preventative measures that can be taken to avoid tick bites and provide advice on what to do if bitten.

Key Messages:

• Lyme disease is on the rise in Scotland, it’s usually mild but can be serious if not treated.

• You should take measures to prevent tick bites when spending time outdoors.

• The quicker you find and remove ticks, the less likely you are to get ill.

• Lyme disease is usually easier to treat the earlier it is diagnosed.

• The most common signs of Lyme disease in its early stages include a red, circular rash on your skin and cold or flu-like symptoms such as tiredness, headaches and muscle and joint pain.

• In some cases, Lyme disease can lead to chronic fatigue, meningitis, inflammatory arthritis, and even cardiovascular complaints.