With over 24,000 schools in the UK splitting up today (Friday, July 17th) for a six week summer holiday, the UK charity Lyme Disease Action urges parents to watch out for ticks and tick bites when children take part in outdoor activities.

Ticks that attach to humans are the size of a pinhead - much smaller than those you see on a pet. They are spider-like creatures with eight legs, and can carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

• Tick bites may not be itchy or painful, making them easy to overlook or ignore.

• Tick bites may occur round the hairline of small children, so scalps should be checked.

• Ticks are found where there is enough damp vegetation to prevent them from drying out, eg in woodland, rough grassland, moorland, or even urban parks and gardens.

• Ticks can be active year round but May to September is peak season and awareness is particularly important during outdoor activities and during the school holidays.

• Ticks carrying disease can be found throughout the UK and Ireland.

• Preventative measures include using insect repellents containing DEET, wearing long trousers and brushing down clothing after walking through woods, long grass and bracken.

Stella Huyshe-Shires, Chair of UK charity Lyme Disease Action says: “All adults should protect their children and themselves by being aware of ticks at this time of the year and by watching out for potential Lyme disease symptoms.

“Such symptoms include a spreading circular red rash, sometimes like a bull’s eye, or flu-like symptoms and intense tiredness. If symptoms are noticed, they should take the child to their GP along with a copy of a leaflet on Lyme disease, available to download at www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk, bearing in mind that many UK GPs have never previously encountered Lyme disease.”

Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics and the earlier the treatment is started, the better the outcome.

If a bull’s eye rash is present treatment should be started without waiting for a blood test as this is a clear indication of Lyme disease. If a rash has not been noticed, blood tests may be used but there are no conclusive tests for Lyme disease. LDA’s website has more details.