Lyme disease cases in South West England reach 281
Data shows 281 confirmed Lyme disease cases in the South West last year, with residents sharing their experiences of the disease in the region identified as a hotspot.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
New figures show that the South West of England recorded 281 confirmed cases of Lyme disease last year, making it one of the country's highest risk areas for the tick-borne illness. The data, released by the UK Health Security Agency, places the region second highest in England for confirmed cases.
Health officials say most tick bites do not cause Lyme disease, but early diagnosis is vital because untreated infections can become serious. The South West's landscape of long grass, woodland and heathland provides ideal conditions for ticks to thrive. However, officials also note that increased awareness and surveillance in the region may contribute to the higher reported numbers.
Two residents from the West Country whose lives were changed by tick bites have shared their experiences to warn others. Tracey West developed a rash that looked like she had been hit by a baseball bat, but it was not the typical bullseye pattern. Despite visiting her pharmacist, doctor and hospital, nobody recognised Lyme disease. Months later the infection spread to her nervous system, and a lumbar puncture confirmed the diagnosis. She has been left with chronic pain and has lost her job and the activities she enjoyed.
Chris Ward never developed a rash or noticed a bite. He became gradually ill, struggling to get up and down stairs and feeling flu-like symptoms. He soon lost the ability to walk and spent weeks in hospital. Doctors initially thought he had a rare neurological condition, but a lumbar puncture revealed Lyme disease. He said the diagnosis came as a total shock.
The UK Health Security Agency says stories like these are uncommon. Only about 4% of ticks carry Lyme disease bacteria, and if a person is bitten by an infected tick, there is only a 1-5% chance of catching the disease. The advice for people spending time outdoors is to cover skin, use insect repellent, and check for ticks. If a tick is found, it should be removed as soon as possible, ideally with a tick removal tool. People should also look out for symptoms such as rashes, fever and muscle pain in the month following a bite.
Lyme disease can be debilitating if not treated early. Antibiotics given promptly can make a significant difference. The South West's status as a hotspot underscores the importance of public awareness and prompt medical attention.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | ITV |
|---|---|
| If a tick bites you, there is only a 1-5% chance of catching Lyme disease. | |
| Only about 4% of ticks carry Lyme disease bacteria. | |
| The South West had 281 confirmed Lyme disease cases last year, the second highest total in England. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
The report focuses on personal stories of two local residents whose lives were severely impacted by Lyme disease, emphasising the difficulty of diagnosis and the long-term consequences. It balances these human-interest elements with official data and public health advice, and includes presenter commentary expressing concern. The tone is informative but also emotive, using phrases like 'frightening' and 'wretched disease'.
- “It looked as if I'd been hit by a baseball bat.”
- “I've lost my job, I've lost all of the things I did and enjoyed, I can't do anymore.”
- “It can be really quite debilitating. It's a wretched disease.”
Broadcast Timeline
News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.