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Kids are now affected by the epidemic that has affected both the UK and the US. The incidence of Lyme disease on Uist has increased compared to its neighboring islands. The infection can be transmitted to humans through tick bites.

Last May, it was reported that sisters Anais, Elise and Emory Bowerman from Arkansas got bitten by ticks during Girl Scout slumber camp in Lowell and were also affected by the disease. Their hands started to shake, felt sluggish and dizzy. Emory also vomited.

Mom, Alarie Bowerman, sprayed the girls with tick repellent before the sleepover, but it was not effective, they removed 27 ticks from the girls' bodies.

BBC reported that Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can be spread to humans by ticks. The symptoms are similar to flu with fatigue, which are the first noticeable signs of infection. If a bite is untreated, it would show a distinctive red circle-like mark on the skin.

The Lyme-infected tick bite injects Borrelia burgdorferi spirochetes, a corkscrew bacteria, which forms the circle pattern. Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics, if untreated it may cause neurological problems and can develop joint pain months or years later. Lyme bacteria can also invade the heart and nervous system.

Bowerman went out-of-state to seek help from the Arkansas Department of Health Lyme disease specialist. After the checkup, they were called back in February and told Emory and Anias met the US Centers for Disease Control surveillance definition for Lyme disease. They were the first reported Lyme disease incident in 10 years, according to KASU.

In an effort to raise awareness, the NHS Western Isles will hold events on March 30-31 at Stoneybridge Hall in South Uist. They aim to report the current situation with regards to ticks, what actions need to be taken to avoid bites and what to do if bitten.

The Infectious Disease Society of America has suggested a course of doxycyline to treat acute Lyme disease. Arkansas state health department recently awarded $15,000 grant to further educate the public. CDC estimated more than 300,000 Americans a year are infected with Lyme Disease.