Cases of potentially fatal Lyme disease have risen by more than 20 per cent in England over the past year, public health experts have disclosed.
Triggered by bacteria carried by ticks that feed on the blood of animals and humans, the disease can cause chronic joint pain, paralysis and even heart problems.
According to analysis by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) there were 1,168 confirmed cases in 2025, up from just 959 in 2024 – an increase of 22 per cent.
Lyme disease is caused by a specific type of bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi, which thrive in the guts of ticks – spider-like creatures typically found in long grass.
In recent years, there has been an increase in distribution of ticks across the UK – with numbers varying due to changes in weather and climate trends.
It often starts with flu-like symptoms and a distinctive red, ‘bullseye’ rash – which can appear up to three months after being bitten by an infected tick, according to the NHS.
Early symptoms may also include paralysis of the fascia muscles, typically on one side of the face and nerve pains which may be shooting, sharp or prickly.
More serious symptoms may develop several weeks or even months later if the condition is left untreated.
Pharmaceutical companies are working to create new vaccines and drugs to tackle the tick-borne illness
These can include problems affecting the nervous system such as memory problems and difficulty concentrating and inflammation of the brain and spinal cord – known as Lyme meningitis, a rare complication of the disease.
Not all ticks carry the disease-causing bacteria, and rapid removal of the blood-sucking creatures can reduce the risk of infection.
However, currently there are no vaccines to protect against the disease in humans.
Rather, advice centers on avoiding being bitten in the first place, such as using repellants and covering exposed skin outdoors.
Officials have warned that cases tend to peak in June and are urging the public to take simple precautions to minimise the risk.
It said: ‘These figures demonstrate the importance of being aware of signs and symptoms after spending time outdoors.
‘If you have been bitten by a tick, remove it as soon as possible using a tick removing device, following its instructions, or a pair of fine-tipped tweezers.’
A course of antibiotics is usually enough to treat most patients, though the process can take several weeks.
Bella Hadid’s mother, Yolanda Hadid, shared photos of Bella in the hospital due to complications from her Lyme disease
However, for reasons scientists are still exploring, some people infected with the disease can suffer ongoing symptoms for years.
And while new treatments are being developed, which aim to avoid activating immune pathways that triggered arthritis in some people who were given a now discontinued vaccine in the US – experts say government needs to be prepared for a potential increase in vector-born diseases in the UK.
‘Mosquitoes and ticks are more than just seasonal nuisances, they can act as early warning signals for emerging disease threats,’ Dr Arran Folly, Head of the Vector-Borne RADAR project, said.
‘By combining expertise from animal, environmental and public health sectors through a One Health approach, we can spot threats sooner, strengthen preparedness, and help protect both people and animals from emerging vector-borne diseases.’
But Lyme Disease UK aren’t convinced that a vaccine will be adopted in the UK, given that figures appear to be low.
Julia Knight, a spokesperson for the charity, said: ‘Obviously any advances in science that prevent Lyme disease is always welcome, but whether people will welcome a vaccine or not in the current climate of vaccine hesitancy remains to be seen.
However, the charity added, that these figures are likely to be a gross underestimate – given they don’t include the roughly 70 per cent of patients who develop the telltale rash and are treated immediately without laboratory tests.
Bella Hadid and Justin Timberlake are just two of the many celebrities who have suffered complications from the disease.
The 29-year-old supermodel was diagnosed with the tick-borne illness in 2012 and now suffers from regular mood swing, joint pain, insomnia, brain fog and anxiety as a result.
The fact that celebrities are more likely to have houses in the US, where Lyme disease is famously prevalent, is thought to be a contributing factor.
