Lyme disease can be extremely debilitating causing painful joints, low energy levels and a variety of other symptoms, it is not recommended 😫
Lyme disease is caused by bacterial infection transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick, about 5% of ticks in Ireland are thought to carry Lyme disease bacteria. Ticks are particularly prevalent in Glendalough and other areas in Co Wicklow due to the large deer population 🦌 During one glendo club meet in 2023 for instance, out of 50 people, only 2 or 3 weren’t affected by ticks 😳
You are more likely to get a tick on exposed skin so covering up is recommended, ankles are a particular favourite of the beasties (although they are known to crawl under clothing), ticks will wait patiently on plants, bushes and branches for an animal or human to brush against it. They can look as small as a speck of dust before they start feeding, the magnifier on your phone may help to identify them
It is best to remove ticks within the first 24 hours as they pass the disease during feeding with a higher risk of infection during the 36-72 hour range, so remember to give yourself a thorough inspection after being outdoors. Redness around the bite or red bullseye 🎯 circles indicate infection & ideally you should seek treatment (doxycycline antibiotics) within 72 hours, the earlier the better
It is recommended that Ticks are removed using tweezers by gripping the head or with a tick removal tool, any other method (covering with vaseline, putting underwater, burning with cigarette etc) will likely result in them regurgitating bacteria into your bloodstream (https://www.ticktalkireland.org/frequently-asked-questions)
This website has a lot of useful information
Other Useful Links:
https://www.ticktalkireland.org
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lyme-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20374651