Spring Surge: Are Tick Encounters Nearly Doubling in the UK This Year?

📈 Press reports and the UK reality

Recent coverage, including in The Independent, suggests tick bite reports are soaring—nearly double this spring compared to last year  . While that article primarily focused on US data, UKHSA guidance, alongside county council reports, points to more tick encounters here too. In March, Warwickshire and Devon highlighted spring as the peak season and urged vigilance  .

🔍 UKHSA warnings & regional hotspots

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued its ‘Be Tick Aware’ toolkit, reaffirming that tick activity peaks between April and June  . Notably, Devon’s Lyme disease incidence is around 5.6 per 100,000, compared to the national average of 1.5 per 100,000 . These areas aren’t just scenic—they’re hotspots.

🕵️ Strategies for early detection

Early recognition can make a big difference. Encourage patients to look for:

• Erythema migrans (“bull’s‑eye”) rash, appearing 3–30 days post-bite
• Flu‑like symptoms: fever, headache, fatigue, muscle or joint pain
• Neurological signs: facial droop, nerve pain—rare but significant 

Timely removal—with fine‑tipped tweezers or tick tools—is essential; transmission typically requires around 24 hours of attachment  . Post‑bite, advise daily checks for rash or systemic symptoms for up to a month.

🩺 Actionable tips for clinicians

Equip patients before summer arrives:

1. Educate proactively: Use your clinic’s newsletter or social media to share UKHSA guidance—step-by-step removal, awareness of incubation times and symptoms.
2. Remind them of prevention: Wear light-coloured clothes, tuck trousers into socks/boots, apply DEET or permethrin, and stay on clear paths  .
3. Encourage prompt tick reporting: Share the UKHSA Tick Surveillance Scheme link—public involvement helps map risk  .
4. Raise clinical awareness: In regions like Devon, maintain a higher index of suspicion for Lyme during spring/summer, even when presentations are non‑specific  .

🔑 Key messages for Clinicians

• Tick encounters appear to be on the rise across the UK.
• Peak season runs April–June; hotspots include rural south‑west areas.
• Early detection—rash, fever, nerve issues—is critical for timely antibiotic treatment.
• Clinicians should enable patients with clear prevention, removal and symptom‑monitoring advice.

Enjoy the outdoors wisely, and let’s keep our summer safe by staying vigilant. If you found this helpful, please like and share to keep your network informed.