Four must-know rules to safely remove a tick

Four must-know rules to safely remove a tick after warning that deadly virus is now lurking in critters across Britain

• Three cases of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) have been confirmed in UK
• The NHS has a four-step routine to help safely spot and remove ticks  
• Read more: Deadly virus from tick bites found in three patients in the UK 

A deadly infection spread by ticks has been discovered in England for the first time ever, health officials warned today. 

Three cases of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in patients have been confirmed by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in Yorkshire, Norfolk and on the border of Hampshire and Dorset.

Further tests on ticks across the country have found the disease — which, until now, was commonly found in parts of Europe and Asia — is now widespread in the UK.

Experts warn it is ‘unlikely that TBEV will disappear’.

So, if you find one of the blood-sucking, disease-harbouring critters on you, how do you get them off? Here, MailOnline shares the four rules you must know.

Getting rid of a tick from your own skin is crucial to avoid the risk of infection, or contracting other diseases including Lyme disease. The NHS has a four-step routine to help safely spot and remove ticks

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool

Not all ticks in England carry the bacteria which causes encephalitis virus or Lyme disease, the other infection they’re known to spread.

But it is still important to take action if you find yourself faced with a tick on your skin. 

‘The longer a tick is left to feed, the higher the chances are that it will pass on any diseases it’s carrying,’ Lyme Disease UK said.  

Read more: Deadly virus from tick bites that causes flu-like symptoms found in three patients in the UK

Tick bites are not always painful. While in some cases they may cause swelling, itchiness, blistering or bruising, often ticks may not be noticeable unless seen on the skin. 

To avoid squeezing the body of the tick or leaving the head in, the tick should be pulled out. 

This can be done using a tick removal tool, or tweezers. 

According to the NHS, they can be found in some high street pharmacies, vets and pet shops.

2. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible

Clean, fine-tipped tweezers should be used to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. 

Press down on the skin on either side of the tick. 

This is to ensure the skin doesn’t pull up when you pull the tick off.

3. Slowly pull upwards, taking care not to squeeze or crush the tick

Using the tweezers, pull upward with steady, even pressure. 

Tweezers should be pulled not twisted or jerked as this could cause the mouth-parts of the tick to break off and remain in the skin. 

It could also cause it to regurgitate disease-causing fluids. 

Three cases of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in patients were confirmed by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in Yorkshire, Norfolk and on the border of Hampshire and Dorset today. Further tests on ticks across the country have found the disease – which until now was commonly found in parts of Europe and Asia – is now widespread in the UK, with experts warning it is ‘unlikely that TBEV will disappear’

The first confirmed domestically acquired case of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) was identified in a 50-year-old man who was bitten by ticks while mountain biking in Yorkshire

If this happens, remove the mouth-parts with tweezers or a sterilized needle, Lyme Disease UK said. 

Squeezing or crushing the body of the tick could also cause potential disease-causing organisms to leak into the bloodstream or into the skin.

While the NHS recommends attempting to remove any mouthparts left behind with clean tweezers, if they don’t come out easily, it advises to leave it alone and let the skin heal. 

4. Clean the bite with antiseptic or soap and water

What is tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV)? 

The virus is transmitted by the bite of infected ticks, found in woodland habitats. 

Most infections remain asymptomatic, but some cases will develop a number of symptoms.  

It typically causes mild flu-like symptoms but can lead to severe infection in the central nervous system such, as meningitis or encephalitis.

More serious cases can include a high fever with headache, neck stiffness, confusion or reduced consciousness.

Vaccines can provide protection, but only for a limited time, and there is no cure. 

Severity of illness increases with age of the patient, but fatalities have been reported from all age groups. 

Once removed, the tick should be disposed of. 

The NHS warns never to crush a tick with your fingers. 

To dispose of a live tick safely, you should either put it in alcohol, place it in a sealed bag or container, wrap it tightly in tape, or flush it down the toilet.

After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with an antiseptic wipe, rubbing alcohol or soap and water. 

What do I do next?

Keep an eye on anywhere you’ve been bitten by a tick. 

There’s no need to consult your GP if you’ve been bitten and have no symptoms. 

The chance of getting ill is low and you do not need to do anything else unless you notice a rash or become unwell. 

However, if you develop a rash or experience flu-like symptoms after being bitten, then you should see your GP, the NHS recommends. 

Regularly check for ticks on your clothes and skin, and on children and pets after being outdoors.

While not every tick carries pathogens, waiting too long to remove a tick can increase the likelihood of transmission.

How to avoid ticks

According to the NHS, the best way to reduce the risk of being bitten is to cover your skin while walking outdoors and tuck your trousers into your socks.

You should also use insect repellent on your clothes and skin – products containing DEET are best. 

Stick to clear paths whenever possible and wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot and brush off. 

The diseases transmitted by ticks 

Alkhurma haemorrhagic fever

It is a viral haemorrhagic disease reported mainly in Saudi Arabia. Transmission is through tick bites and contact with infected blood. 

Babesiosis

It is an illness caused by microscopic parasites that infect and destroy red blood cells. The disease is transmitted mainly by ticks which become infected by feeding on infected cattle, roe deer and rodents, which are the main reservoirs for this parasite.

Lyme disease

Lyme disease, is caused by the bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, and is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected ticks. Ticks become infected when they feed on birds or mammals that carry the bacterium in their blood.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever

It is a tick-borne viral disease with symptoms such as high fever, muscle pain, dizziness, abnormal sensitivity to light, abdominal pain and vomiting. According to the World Health Organisation, about 30 per cent of patients die, usually in the second week of infection.

Human granulocytic anaplasmosis

A tick-borne infection caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Granulocytic anaplasmosis is the most widespread tick-borne infection in animals in Europe. 

Rickettsiosis

Most of the Rickettsioses are transmitted by ticks, but they can also be transmitted by fleas, lice and mites 

Tick-borne encephalitis

It is a human viral infectious disease involving the central nervous system, and occurring in many parts of Europe and Asia. The virus is transmitted by the bite of infected ticks, found in woodland habitats. 

Tick-borne relapsing fever

It is a disease caused by several species of spiral-shaped bacteria – spirochaetes – that are transmitted to humans through the bite of infected soft ticks 

Source: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control

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