VIDEO: Health department issues warning about ticks

Monday 17 April 2017

The Health department is urging Islanders to be 'tick aware' after a survey found that a proportion of ticks in Jersey carry the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease.

The survey was launched following a case of Lyme disease in 2015 that is believed to have been acquired locally. It showed that ticks in Jersey may carry the agent that causes Lyme disease and have the potential to transmit it to people, dogs and other animals.

Speaking about the survey findings, States Vet Theo Knight-Jones said: "The risk of catching Lyme disease in Jersey is quite low. Over the last three years, there have only been two human cases of Lyme disease that are believed to have been acquired locally. I am not aware of any dog cases. People simply need to be aware and careful especially if they go walking in woodlands, or in areas with long grass, bushes or undergrowth, were ticks like to live. It's all about being sensible."

Most ticks do not carry the infection, however, once an attached tick is detected, it is important to remove the tick carefully with tweezers or a tick removal tool, which can be bought in pharmacies and pet shops, as soon as possible. Ticks that have not yet attached should also be removed.

Video: States Vet Theo Knight-Jones tells islanders how to be 'tick aware'.

Dr. Knight-Jones said: "There is a bit of a technique to the removal but people can easily find advice and tutorials online. They need to make sure to take the mouth out, otherwise it might cause irritation, and to not squash the tick. If unsure, they can speak to a doctor. Dog-owners should also speak to their vet about tick control."

Those affected by Lyme disease typically develop a rash, which gradually spreads from the site of the tick bite. Some patients may develop ‘flu-like’ symptoms as well.

Dr. Ivan Muscat, Consultant Microbiologist at Jersey General Hospital, who worked on the survey, said: “Early Lyme disease can be treated very successfully with antibiotics, which usually clear the rash within one to two weeks, although flu like symptoms may take longer to clear. However avoiding tick bites and carefully removing any ticks within 24 hours of possible attachment prevents transmission altogether and is therefore the best response.”

As such the Health Department also issued a series of recommendations to minimise the risk of tick bites as ticks become more active as weather gets warmer.

Walkers and dog owners, who are more at risk of encountering ticks, are encourage to walk on clearly defined paths and to avoid brushing against vegetation as much as possible. Checks should also be carried out after spending time in the countryside or the garden.