Lyme disease cases in England rise by more than 20% in a year
Lyme disease cases in England have increased by over 20% in the past year, according to public health experts. The rise in cases has prompted pharmaceutical companies to develop new vaccines and treatments for the tick-borne illness. Factors such as awareness, testing rates, and outdoor activities are expected to influence case rates in the future.
- ▪There were 1,168 laboratory-confirmed cases of Lyme disease in 2025, up from 959 in 2024, marking a 22% increase.
- ▪Two probable cases of tick-borne encephalitis were identified in 2025, bringing the total to six since 2019.
- ▪The geographical distribution of ticks in the UK has been increasing in recent years due to various environmental factors.
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Symptoms of Lyme disease can include a bullseye-like rash and fever. Photograph: anakopa/Getty Images/iStockphotoView image in fullscreenSymptoms of Lyme disease can include a bullseye-like rash and fever. Photograph: anakopa/Getty Images/iStockphotoLyme diseaseLyme disease cases in England rise by more than 20% in a yearScientists developing vaccines and anti-tick treatments amid growing concern over spread of diseaseNicola Davis Science correspondentThu 21 May 2026 05.13 EDTLast modified on Thu 21 May 2026 05.19 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleCases of Lyme disease have risen more than 20% in England in the past year, public health experts have revealed, as pharmaceutical companies work to create new vaccines and drugs to tackle the tick-borne illness.According to data from the UK…
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