Lyme disease man is on the mend
Antibiotics have helped beat illness, says Fochabers security guard
Published:
A Moray security guard who contracted Lyme disease from a tick said the high-strength antibiotics that he has been taking since January have helped him to overcome the illness.
Tony Harris, of Cowiemuir, Fochabers, was left with flu-like symptoms and chronic muscular pain after he was bitten by a tick in September.
Mr Harris, 48, who works at Baxters Food Group at Fochabers, has been on sick leave since the start of the year.
He said yesterday that he was almost free of the flu- like symptoms and is starting his final month on anti- biotics.
He added: “I’m 95% better, the only thing that’s bothering me is the bad arthritis in my legs but I’m going to get back on with my life.
“I’m still off work sick but am hoping to return soon.”
According to the Health Protection Agency, Lyme disease can cause a pink or red rash spreading from the tick bite. Some people also suffer flu-like symptoms with tiredness, headaches, and joint and muscle aches.
Infection of the nervous system is the most common complication of Lyme disease in the UK. This can cause facial palsy, viral-like meningitis, pain, weakness or altered sensation of limbs or other symptoms.
The Press and Journal reported last month a Moray GP’s warnings that the disease could be on the rise.
Ed Borrowman, of Fochabers Medical Practice, said he had treated eight patients in the last two years after four years without a single case.
Dr Borrowman admitted that he did not know if the increase in cases had been a result of changes in the ticks or down to increased awareness.
Stephanie Woodcock, spokeswoman for the Cornwall-based Lyme Disease Action Group, said the charity did not put the increase down to any one thing.
She added: “It may be global warming or possibly the changes in the way farmers manage their livestock, or the fact that there are more deer all around the country.”
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