This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/6641115.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Warning as tick diseases on rise Warning as tick diseases on rise
(1 day later)
The public has been warned to take extra precautions against ticks as the warm weather heralds a peak in numbers of the blood-sucking parasites.The public has been warned to take extra precautions against ticks as the warm weather heralds a peak in numbers of the blood-sucking parasites.
It follows a huge rise in the number of cases of Lyme Disease in Scotland, and encephalitis amongst travellers to mainland Europe, spread by ticks. It follows a huge rise in cases of Lyme Disease in Scotland and encephalitis amongst travellers to mainland Europe, spread by ticks.
Both infections are severely debilitating and can be fatal.Both infections are severely debilitating and can be fatal.
A decade ago there were just 10 cases of Lyme Disease in Scotland, but last year that figure had risen to 177.A decade ago there were just 10 cases of Lyme Disease in Scotland, but last year that figure had risen to 177.
On the continent, tick-borne encephalitis is also on the rise, and is now endemic in 27 countries. In mainland Europe, tick-borne encephalitis is also on the rise and is now endemic in 27 countries.
Make sure you know about bite prevention, how to look out for the early symptoms and remember to seek advice Tick Alert spokesmanMake sure you know about bite prevention, how to look out for the early symptoms and remember to seek advice Tick Alert spokesman
The advice to anyone heading into the countryside is to wear insect repellent and long trousers if possible, and to check themselves thoroughly afterwards. The advice to anyone heading into the countryside is to wear insect repellent and long trousers if possible and to check themselves thoroughly afterwards.
Ticks should be removed by gripping them close to the skin and pulling backwards without jerking or twisting. Ticks should be removed by gripping them close to the skin with tweezers and pulling backwards without jerking or twisting.
Ticks are common in woodland, heathland and in particular areas in Scotland where deer graze and more recently have also been found in urban parks. They are common in woodland, heath land and in particular areas in Scotland where deer graze. More recently they have also been found in urban parks.
A spokesman for the Tick Alert campaign said: "Ticks are second only to mosquitoes for carrying disease to humans.A spokesman for the Tick Alert campaign said: "Ticks are second only to mosquitoes for carrying disease to humans.
"Travellers and holidaymakers visiting rural areas are at risk from tick bites, but also when spending time in public spaces including beer gardens, picnic spots and parks and gardens."Travellers and holidaymakers visiting rural areas are at risk from tick bites, but also when spending time in public spaces including beer gardens, picnic spots and parks and gardens.
"Make sure you know about bite prevention, how to look out for the early symptoms and remember to seek advice well before your travel date.""Make sure you know about bite prevention, how to look out for the early symptoms and remember to seek advice well before your travel date."
Lyme disease varies widely, but can include a rash and flu-like symptoms in its initial stage, followed by the possibility of musculoskeletal, arthritic, neurological, psychiatric and cardiac manifestations. BITE PREVENTION Wear trousers tucked into socksUse insect repellentCheck yourself thoroughlyCheck warm folds of the skinCarefully remove with tweezersNever burn offDo not try to drown in VaselineBe aware of favoured habitats
Lyme disease varies widely but can include a rash and flu-like symptoms in its initial stage, followed by the possibility of musculoskeletal, arthritic, neurological, psychiatric and cardiac problems.
Most cases of Lyme disease can be cured with antibiotics, especially if treatment is begun early in the course of illness.Most cases of Lyme disease can be cured with antibiotics, especially if treatment is begun early in the course of illness.
Katrina Anderson, from Edinburgh, became ill after she was bitten by a tick in 1991.
She was misdiagnosed by her GP who blamed ME for her chronic fatigue and it took another two years before she was told by a specialist that she had contracted Lyme disease.
Ms Anderson said: "At the time I was actually very ill. I became very flu-like with muscle pains, constant headaches.
"It was like having a virus. It's like a hidden illness. You don't actually see what the person is suffering from.
"It can affect all aspects of your nervous system."