Introduction

Lyme disease, or Lyme borreliosis,is a bacterial infectionspread to humans by infected ticks.

Ticks are tiny spider-like creatures found in woodland and heath areas. They feed on the blood of birds and mammals, including humans. Ticks that carry the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease are found throughout the UK and in other parts ofEurope and North America.

It's estimated there are 2,000 to 3,000 new cases of Lyme disease in England and Wales each year. About 15% of cases occur while people are abroad.

Lyme diseasecan often be treated effectively if it's detected early on. But if it's not treated or treatment is delayed, there's a risk you could develop severe and long-lasting symptoms.

This page covers:

Lyme disease

When to see your GP

How you get Lyme disease

Who's at risk and where are ticks found?

Treating Lyme disease

Preventing Lyme disease

How to remove a tick

Chronic Lyme disease

Further information

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 4 Jan 2017