England's tick bite hotspot named as Lyme disease cases soar by more than 20%

The South West of England has been named one of the highest-risk regions for tick bites and tick-borne diseases, with 281 laboratory-confirmed cases of acute Lyme disease recorded there in 2025 alone. Consultant in health protection at UKHSA South West, Jennifer Taylor, said the region had the “highest rates of tick bites and tick-borne disease in England”.The UKHSA South West region covers Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire.“Our beautiful landscapes are part of what makes this region special, but they are also habitats where ticks thrive,” Miss Taylor said. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say “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.”The South West’s hotspot status comes against a backdrop of rising cases across the country, with UKHSA data showing 1,168 laboratory-confirmed cases of Lyme disease across England in 2025.This marks a 22 per cent jump from the 959 cases recorded the year before, but closer to the 1,151 cases seen in 2023.LATEST DEVELOPMENTSScientists hail two everyday drugs helping obese patients match heart health of healthy-weight peersThousands more adults to qualify for free RSV vaccine from SeptemberDoctor shares one factor behind 'almost every' high blood pressure case she seesWhere do ticks live?Ticks are usually picked up in wooded areas, grasslands and heathland, according to the UKHSA.Anyone bitten should remove the tick as soon as possible using a tick removal device or fine-tipped tweezers.Symptoms to watch for include a spreading rash, flu-like illness or fatigue in the weeks that follow.The rise in cases comes as scientists ramp up efforts to develop anti-tick treatments amid concerns over the disease’s spread, with several pharmaceutical companies now working on new drugs to tackle the disease.How long does Lyme disease take to develop?It usually takes between 24 and 48 hours for a tick to transmit Lyme disease - but the risks don’t stop there. Other diseases, such as anaplasmosis and babesiosis, can be transmitted sooner. Although the rates of these diseases are significantly lower, they can make you sicker.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter