Charli XCX's latest music video for 'Wink Wink' features the singer lounging in long grass in Essex, prompting fans to express concerns about ticks and Lyme disease on social media. The pop star responded on Instagram stories, admitting she was 'really stressed about this.' While some dismissed the worries, experts say vigilance is warranted.
What Are the Risks of Ticks in the UK?
Ticks are arachnids that feed on blood and can transmit Lyme disease, the most common tick-borne illness in the UK. According to Julia Knight of Lyme Disease UK, 'We're at the peak of tick season at the moment.' Ticks are typically found in heathland and forests but have also been discovered in urban parks and gardens, including Hampstead Heath in London, where celebrities like Zoë Kravitz and Harry Styles have been spotted lounging.
How Common Is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease cases have risen steadily since the first confirmed UK case in 1985. However, official figures only count laboratory-confirmed cases, so the true number is unknown. Knight notes that when a classic bull's eye rash appears, doctors prescribe antibiotics without a blood test, meaning many cases go unrecorded. Infected ticks are found in every UK county, with higher risks in the Scottish Highlands, south and south-west England, and parts of East Anglia.
Why Are Tick Populations Increasing?
Warmer winters due to climate change have extended tick activity beyond the traditional spring-to-autumn season. Knight attributes the 'uptick' in cases to a heating climate, allowing ticks to remain active year-round. Research is underway for vaccines and treatments, but prevention remains key.
How to Protect Yourself
When in grassy or wooded areas, cover skin, stick to pathways, use repellent, and check your body thoroughly after exposure. Ticks at the nymph stage can be as small as poppy seeds; after feeding, they may reach the size of a baked bean. They are drawn to warm areas: check between toes, behind knees, under armpits, between legs, and along hairlines and behind ears.
If you find a tick, remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool, grasping it close to the skin and pulling upward steadily. Avoid squeezing or crushing the tick. Seek medical attention only if a rash or flu-like symptoms develop, as these can indicate Lyme disease even without a rash.
Can We Still Enjoy Nature?
Ecologist Dr. Bethan Purse, who researches tick-borne infections, reassures that people can still enjoy activities like lounging in long grass. 'They just need to have an eye on it,' she says. Taking simple precautions allows everyone to safely appreciate UK's green spaces.
