Doune youngster's tick bite story reaches Holyrood as part of disease awareness campaign

Stirling’s MSP highlighted the story of a Doune youngster in Holyrood as part of Lyme Disease Awareness Month.

In the debate, Evelyn Tweed MSP told how eight-year-old Arran was diagnosed with Lyme disease after getting a bite behind his ear.

He developed a rash, and then a fever. He could barely rouse from sleep, and was admitted to hospital. He was diagnosed with Lyme disease and after a course of antibiotics he will make a swift recovery.

His mum Heather has sung the praises of the NHS and local pharmacies, whose information posters means local are very aware of Lyme disease.

Ms Tweed said: “Lyme disease is personal for me, having watched my good friend Pauline suffer with it since 1989. Pauline was continually misdiagnosed, and it took many years for her to finally get diagnosis and treatment, and it still impacts her today.

“Her story is not rare, and I’m pleased to have held this event with the Lyme Resource Centre. Their work is achieving a great deal to raise awareness amongst medical professionals and the public.”

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bite of an infected tick. Tick bites are usually painless and can easily go unnoticed. There is no proven minimum time needed for the transmission of infection, so ticks should be carefully removed as soon as possible.

Often dubbed ‘The Great Pretender’, Lyme disease is regularly misdiagnosed, with early signs including flu-like symptoms, fever, fatigue, and migratory joint or muscle aches and pains. Lyme disease is treatable with antibiotics. However, if the diagnosis and treatment are delayed or missed then it can potentially cause long- term health problems including pain and swelling in the joints, nerve problems, numbness or pain in your limbs, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and heart problems.

Ms Tweed added: “Ticks can be found all over Scotland, not just rural areas, but city parks and gardens too. Ticks are now being seen much earlier in the year, with the wetter and warmer weather brought by climate change thought to be having an impact on tick numbers and lifespan. It’s important that people aren’t put off from enjoying the great outdoors, so wherever you are spending time outside. Take some time to understand the measures you can take to prevent bites and how to recognise the signs of Lyme disease will help avoid infection.”

A recent Lyme Resource Centre study found that a third of people diagnosed with Lyme disease in Scotland were not aware of the need to protect themselves against tick bites, and 42 per cent were not aware of Lyme disease at all.

These survey results were shared at an event held at the Scottish Parliament on the first day of the awareness month.

Arlene Bailey, trustee of the Lyme Resource Centre said: “We were thrilled to see 25 MSPs attend, and many people sign the pledge to help tackle ticks and Lyme disease awareness.

“We know the population of ticks is increasing and our latest research shows that, although awareness is improving, there is still a significant lack of understanding amongst people in Scotland. ‘‘

“Use repellent, tuck your trousers into your socks, wear light-coloured clothing. Always do a tick check. Remove attached ticks carefully using a tick-removal tool. Protection and prevention is the rule.”