Four must-know rules to safely remove a tick after warning that deadly virus is lurking in Britain
A deadly infection spread by ticks has been discovered for the first time in England, health officials warned today.
Three cases of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in patients have been confirmed by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in Yorkshire, Norfolk and on the Hampshire and Dorset borders.
Further testing for ticks across the country has revealed that the disease – hitherto common in parts of Europe and Asia – is now widespread in the UK.
Experts warn that TBEV is ‘unlikely to disappear’.
So, if you find one of the blood-sucking, disease-carrying bugs on you, how do you get them off? Here MailOnline shares the four rules you need to know.
Removing a tick from your own skin is crucial to avoiding the risk of infection or contracting other illnesses, including Lyme disease. The NHS has a four-step routine for safely recognizing and removing ticks
1. Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick remover
Not all ticks in England carry the bacteria that causes encephalitis virus or Lyme disease, the other infection they are known to spread.
Still, it’s important to take action if you find yourself with a tick on your skin.
“The longer a tick is left to feed, the more likely it is to pass on any disease it may be carrying,” said Lyme Disease UK.
Tick bites are not always painful. While they can cause swelling, itching, blistering, or bruising in some cases, ticks are often only visible on the skin.
To avoid compressing the tick’s body or letting the head in, the tick must be pulled out.
This can be done with a tick remover or tweezers.
According to the NHS, they can be found in some pharmacies, vets and pet stores.
2. Grab the tick as close to the skin as possible
Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible.
Press on the skin on either side of the tick.
This is to ensure that the skin does not pull up when you pull the tick off.
3. Pull up slowly, taking care not to squeeze or crush the tick
With the tweezers, pull up with steady, even pressure.
Tweezers should be pulled and not twisted or yanked as this can lead to the tick’s mouthparts break off and remain in the skin.
It can also cause the disease-causing fluid to regurgitate.
Three cases of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in patients were confirmed today by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in Yorkshire, Norfolk and on the Hampshire and Dorset borders. Further tests for ticks across the country have found that the disease – hitherto prevalent in parts of Europe and Asia – is now widespread in the UK, with experts warning that TBEV is ‘unlikely to disappear’
The first confirmed domestically acquired case of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) was identified in a 50-year-old man bitten by ticks while mountain biking in Yorkshire
If this happens, remove the mouthparts with tweezers or a sterilized needle, Lyme Disease UK said.
Squeezing or crushing the tick’s body can also cause potential disease-causing organisms to leak into the bloodstream or skin.
While the NHS recommends removing any remaining mouthparts with clean tweezers, if they don’t come out easily, it advises leaving them alone and letting the skin heal.
4. Clean the bite with antiseptic or soap and water
Once removed, the tick should be discarded.
The NHS warns never to crush a tick with your fingers.
To safely remove a live tick, soak it in alcohol, place it in a sealed bag or container, wrap it tightly in tape, or flush it it down the toilet.
After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with an antiseptic wipe, rubbing alcohol, or soap and water.
What do I do afterwards?
Keep an eye out wherever you’ve been bitten by a tick.
You do not need to see your doctor if you are bitten and have no symptoms.
The chance of getting sick is small and you don’t need to do anything else unless you notice a rash or become unwell.
However, if you get a rash or experience flu-like symptoms after being bitten you should see your GP, advises the NHS.
Regularly check for ticks on your clothing and skin, and on children and pets after you’ve been outside.
While not every tick carries pathogens, waiting too long to remove a tick can increase the chance of transmission.
How to avoid ticks
According to the NHS, the best way to reduce the risk of being bitten is to cover your skin while walking outside and tuck your pants into your socks.
You should also use insect repellent on your clothes and skin – products containing DEET are best.
Stay on clear paths whenever possible and wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot and remove.