THE Highlands have been designated as a high risk area for Lyme disease.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), which said some areas appear to have higher prevalence of infected ticks which cause the disease.
But the health body said prevalence data is incomplete as it called for a large study into the condition in the UK.
Better information on incidence, presenting clinical features, management and outcome of Lyme disease both in hospitals and GP services will mean that services can be tailored to suit those infected, Nice said.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by infected ticks, which can lead to conditions such as meningitis or heart failure if left untreated.
Ticks can be found in woodland and heath areas. The tiny spider-like creatures, which can carry the bacteria responsible for the disease, are found throughout the UK and in other parts of Europe and North America.
Not everyone who gets bitten by a tick will be infected with Lyme disease as only a small proportion carry the bacteria which causes the condition.
It is estimated that there are 2000 to 3000 new cases of Lyme disease in England and Wales each year. But Nice said this could be an underestimation because there is no requirement for GPs or hospital clinicians to report the number of cases.
“Lyme disease may be difficult to diagnose as people can have common and unspecific symptoms, like a headache or fever, and they may not notice or remember a tick bite,” said Professor Saul Faust, who chairs Nice’s guideline committee. “Our draft guidance will give GPs and hospital doctors clear advice on how to diagnose if they think Lyme disease is a possibility.”
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