Lyme disease, or Lyme borreliosis, is a bacterial infection spread to humans when they are bitten by an infected tick. It’s estimated there are 2,000 to 3,000 new confirmed cases of Lyme disease in England and Wales each year, although not all cases are confirmed by laboratory testing. About 15% of cases are acquired while people are abroad.

Lyme disease can be treated effectively if it’s detected early on. But if it’s not treated or treatment is delayed, there’s a risk you could develop long-lasting symptoms.