ALERT: Irish holidaymakers warned against wearing sandals amid disease fears

Holidaymakers at the popular Center Parcs Longford Forest resort have been warned to wear shoes and not sandals on the site to avoid contracting a nasty illness.

The warning over Lyme Disease is listed on the Center Parcs website and is a timely reminder at the height of summer season.

Lyme Disease is an illness caused by a bite from an infected tick. Ticks are tiny, spider-like creatures found naturally in grass and woodland areas throughout Ireland.

In its statement, Center Parcs Longford Forest said: "Not all ticks carry the disease and Ireland is a low risk country for this infection. If you are walking in grassy and woodland areas you can take easy precautions:

Keep yourself covered up

Keep your shirt tucked in

Wear a long-sleeved shirt

Tuck your trousers into your socks, if possible

Wear shoes, not sandals

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"Also the use of a repellent containing DEET will help deter ticks and they are easier to see on light coloured clothes. Check yourself and your children for ticks every day," the warning added.

The advice continued: "In the unlikely event that you think you have found a tick on your skin. Please contact the First Aid Centre for advice or contact your GP as soon as possible if you are at home. Please take a copy of this information with you and show your doctor.

"Symptoms normally start between one week and one month after the tick has attached itself to the skin. Early symptoms may include a spreading circular red rash usually around the bite and flu-like symptoms. The illness can be treated with antibiotics and if treated early full recovery is normal."

The HSE also issues advice around ticks, including how to safely remove one that's burrowed its way into your skin:

"Tick bites are not always painful. You may not notice a tick unless you see it on your skin. Check your skin after being outdoors.

"Also check your children for ticks, especially their head and hairline. Pets can carry the ticks and need to be checked as well.

"Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool. You can buy these from some pharmacies, vets and pet shops."

Three steps to removing a tick safely, according to the HSE:

Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.

Slowly pull upwards, taking care not to squeeze or crush the tick - dispose of it carefully.

Clean the bite with antiseptic or soap and water.