The skin mark that signals you’ve caught life-long virus that spikes in spring – as health chiefs issue fresh warning

THINK spring and the health hazard that likely jumps to the forefront of your mind is hay fever.

And while this time of the year can signal pollen bombs aplenty, health chiefs have warned of another, more serious risk - a virus that left untreated can lead to lifelong, debilitating symptoms.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has urged people to "protect themselves" from tick-borne infections like Lyme disease this spring.

Several well-known celebs have fallen victim to the bacterial infection, including, Justin Bieber, Bella Hadid, Avril Lavigne, and Shania Twain.

And it's not just US stars that have been hit - in the UK, comedian Miranda Hart revealed she'd been left bedbound and struggling for years after a Lyme disease diagnosis.

The UKHSA warns ticks "hang out" in grassy, wooded areas and are most active in the months April to July, when we spend the most time outside.

While not all ticks in England carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, the infection can trigger a wide range of symptoms, from joint pain to memory problems, if it's not treated quickly.

Earlier this month the UKHSA said on X, formerly Twitter: "During the spring time everyone wants to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air in the great outdoors, but don't forget that ticks often hang out in grassy, wooded areas too.

"Stay safe, #BeTickAware, and learn simple ways to protect yourself."

It also issued guidance detailing what to do if you're bitten by a tick.

It states:

• Remove ticks as soon as you find them
• Using a tick removal device or a pair of tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as you can and pull firmly upwards
• Clean the bite area with soap and water
• Look out for a spreading, bullseye rash – one of the most common symptoms of Lyme disease
• If you become unwell, call your GP or 111

Most people are unaware about the threat of ticks to their long term well being, said bite prevention expert and CEO of Incognito, Howard Carter.

But getting a correct diagnosis for Lyme disease is critical as it needs treating early with antibiotics.

Lyme disease that goes untreated for months or years may be harder to treat this way.

If this is the case, it's still worth speaking to your doctor, as they may be able to help refer you for support and other services that can be helpful.

Howard said: "It can become a chronic and debilitating illness if left untreated.

"So regardless of your destination, home or aboard; make sure that you consider the risks of ticks before you pack your bags."

IN January 2020, Justin Bieber publicly revealed he'd been diagnosed with Lyme disease and that it had been a "rough couple of years" leading up to his diagnosis.

He wrote on Instagram at the time people had suggested he looked like he was "on meth", but "they failed to realise I've been recently diagnosed with Lyme disease, not only that but had a serious case of chronic mono which affected my skin, brain function, energy and overall health".

The singer's experience with the disease was detailed in his documentary series Seasons on YouTube.

The series includes footage of him using a hyperbaric oxygen chamber and receiving IV infusions at a doctor's office, as well as interviews with his psychiatrist and the doctor who diagnosed and treated him for Lyme disease.

Bieber recently indicated he's "back and better than ever".

Many people with early symptoms of Lyme disease develop a circular red skin rash around a tick bite.

Most rashes appear within the first four weeks and usually last for several weeks.

However, this rash can appear up to three months after being bitten by a tick, warned Howard.

He explained: "The rash is circular in nature and is often described as having a similar appearance to a bullseye on a dartboard or target board."

The bullseye rash appears in about 70-80 per cent of Lyme disease cases.

While it's a common symptom, it's important to remember that not everyone with Lyme disease will develop the rash.

IN 2023, Bella Hadid took to social media to share she'd been through more than 100 days of "Lyme, chronic disease, co-infection treatment" after "almost 15 years of invisible suffering".

The supermodel, who was diagnosed with the condition in 2012, posted images of her undergoing unspecified medical procedures.

It was on TikTok that she revealed a tooth infection caused a reoccurrence of her Lyme disease.

The flare up occurred nearly one year after she had a root canal surgery for a problem tooth.

She wrote: "Please listen to your bodies my friends please!!! Thismade my Lyme flare up, which means the Lyme is attacking the places that are suffering ie tooth, jaw, gut, brain, spine, bones etc oh, and the entire nervous system."

While Hadid admitted she wasn’t worried because “Lyme flare-ups happen all the time”, she shared her jaw was “radiating” with pain.

“Some days it’s okay! And some days are difficult,” she added.

Other signs that can appear, either instead of or as well as a rash, include flu-like symptoms, such as a fever, headaches, muscles aches and neck pain.

Dr Deborah Lee, of Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, said weeks or months after becoming infected with Lyme disease a person may have neurological symptoms, cardiovascular issues, and eye problems.

She said: "Neurological symptoms include Bell's palsy (facial paralysis) and/or meningitis associated with neck stiffness.

"Cardiovascular problems include heart inflammation leading to myocarditis, pericarditis and abnormal heart rhythms. These cause chest pain, palpitations, dizziness and feeling unwell.

"And eye problems, such as conjunctivitis, uveitis and optic neuritis, resulting in a gritty feeling or painful eye or eyes, and blurred vision."

Months after a Lyme disease infection, tingling in the arms and legs, difficulty concentrating and poor short-term memory may occur.

IN October last year, Miranda Hart revealed her struggle with chronic fatigue after being diagnosed with Lyme disease.

In her book, I Haven't Been Entirely Honest With You, Hart provided a frank account of the past 10 years, including the challenges posed by her ill health.

She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I was basically bedbound and housebound.

"There'd be times where I'd look at a glass of water, and think, I don't know how to pick that up.

"All anyone wants is to be heard, accepted, loved and seen...and when you're not - particularly in a medical situation - it's the worst."

Dr Lee added: "Lyme disease can also cause anxiety, depression and behavioural problems.

"It also affects large joints such as the knee. 60 per cent of those with untreated Lyme disease going on to develop arthritis, with joint pain, redness, swelling and tenderness of affected joints."

There are areas of the UK known to harbour infected ticks, according to Dr Sanjay Mehta, GP at The London General Practice.

He advised: "These areas include the Lake District, the New Forest, the North York Moors,and the Scottish Highlands."

If you do see ticks on your skin, you don't necessarily get transmission for up to four hours, adds Dr Mehta, so if you can remove them that's ideal.

He added: "If you are going to any of these areas, there are also a few simple things you can do to limit the risk.

"Try to keep to paths in grassy, wooded areas, and keep away from long grass and vegetation.

"It sounds obvious, but shower on your return - often ticks fall off - and check yourself for them too.

"Wear insect repellent, long T-shirts, and long trousers if possible."