KERRY AND CORK HARD HIT BY TICK BORNE DISEASE

HSE figures have shown that almost half of all cases of Lyme disease reported nationally in 2016 came from Kerry and Cork.

A total of 19 cases of the disease - transferred via tick bite - were reported in the Republic last year, eight of which occurred in either Kerry or Cork. This was up from three cases in 2015.

Ticks are known to target a range of animals who carry bacteria causing Lyme disease. They typically wait on branches, long grass and trees for targets, and particular vigilance is therefore encouraged after visiting wooded, grassy areas.

Visitors to such areas are encouraged to wear long trousers and long sleeved clothes, and application of insect repellent is also recommended.

Kerry County Council has called on the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to consider installing signs at its reserves and parks warning people of the issue. A spokesperson for the service told The Kerryman that the NPWS is keeping that suggestion under review, and added that ticks are an issue throughout the countryside, and not just national parks, reserves and designated areas. The NPWS provides access to useful information and advice for visitors on notice boards and its websites.

If diagnosed early, Lyme can be treated with antibiotics and the outlook for the condition is excellent. Early symptoms include a distinctive red ‘bull’s-eye’ rash, sometimes accompanied by flu-like symptoms.

Former Kerry footballer Anthony Morris has suffered from particularly debilitating effects of the disease such as migraines, chest pains, brain ‘fog’ and fatigue since first developing symptoms in 2008. He is currently receiving aggressive treatment with IV antibiotics in Washington DC after being diagnosed two years ago.

Further information can be obtained by contacting your GP, or visiting www.hpsc.ie.