Lyme Disease PHS Poster Campaign

Published: 07/05/25

The Lyme disease campaign aims to increase awareness of Lyme disease; how it is transmitted (via ticks) and vital signs and symptoms to look out for.

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At present, basic awareness of Lyme disease (symptoms and how it spreads) and risk factors (ticks, lack of prevention measures) is relatively low. We would like the public to be as aware as possible of the prevalence given that 30-40% of UK cases of Lyme disease are found in Scotland.

In addition, people may be unaware of the symptoms they should look out for following a tick bite. Common signs and symptoms include:

• A red circular rash (the rash usually appears 3-30 days after being bitten)

• Flu-like symptoms such as tiredness, muscle pain, joint pain, chills, a stiff neck

If left untreated or not treated early more serious symptoms can occur, these can include:

• Nerve problems

• Pain and swelling in the joints

• Memory problems

• Heart problems

To improve the public’s understanding of Lyme disease we need to encourage people to stay safe whilst enjoying the outdoors / greenspaces. This includes highlighting the dangers of Lyme disease, how it is contracted and the vital symptoms to look out for after being bitten (as noted above) and sign-posting to NHSInform.scot/lyme-disease for more information. 

Here’s what you can do to support this work:

• Display posters

Encourage people to seek advice from their general practice should they present with symptoms and/or suspect they have been bitten by a tick.

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