Residents near the Strawberry Valley Park in Bent Lane Leyland, Lancashire, raised their concern to the Leyland Council about the infestation of the ticks on the park's long grasses. Some parents expressed their fear about the effect of the bloodsucking parasites when it attacks their children because they believed that ticks could lead to incurable Lyme disease.
Tick Infestation Warnings and Mixed Reactions
Elaina Turner, a grandmother, posted a warning on social media telling everyone they should be aware of the danger the bloodsucking parasite could cause. She informed the residents that there is still no cure for long-term Lyme disease. She even warned the residents to check their dogs for possible infestation of the ticks.
Turner said she would only take her granddaughter to the park until they cut the grass. She added, "Leyland Council wants to leave the field for the bees and the butterflies, but I am sure they could find another area to do this - not where children play and the dog walkers are."
Kate Mason-Ridings agreed with her post. Based on her social media post, she told her kids to stay out of the long grass. She even expressed her gratitude for the information that Turner shared.
However, not all residents agreed with Turner. Dani Lou said ticks were not something to panic about as they can be seen everywhere. Rob Downes has even encouraged the kids to play until the grass gets trimmed. Downes added that even if they cut the grass, they won't be able to get rid of the ticks.
Health Agencies on Lyme Disease
According to the National Health Service (NHS), Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by infected ticks. The agency said that it is curable when diagnosed early. UK Health Security agency added that greenspaces like urban parks served as tick habitats.
Lyme's disease early diagnosis begins with a rash with a darker or lighter area in the center, NHS added. It can be red, pink, or purple, which can be either flat or raised in a circular or oval shape. The rash may appear within a month after the bite and may last up to three months. A flu-like symptom may take effect along with muscle and joint pain.
On the other hand, when left untreated, Lyme disease may affect the nervous system, heart inflammation, and memory loss. It can also transmit diseases such as Colorado tick fever and babesiosis.
Yet, treatment is available. However, it could take up to one month of oral antibiotics or an IV antibiotic.
MayoClinic advised visiting the doctor when the tick remains attached to the skin for a long time. If there is a suspicion of tick bites, the website also advises visiting a doctor, especially when there are similar cases of the infection.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately 30,000 Lyme disease cases annually. These data came from the standard national surveillance method. However, some other methods foresee about 476,000 people getting Lyme disease each year in the United States.
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