Decrease in Number of Patients Seeking Help at Commins Medical Center
In the Republic of Komi, the number of people attacked by ticks seems to be on the decline. Between June 5 and 10, a total of 568 individuals, including 96 kids, visited medical facilities due to tick bites. This figure is lower compared to a week prior when 720 people sought help.
As per the consumer protection agency in the Republic of Komi, an astonishing 2783 people, including 556 children, have sought medical attention for tick bites since the start of the season. Most cases have been reported in Syktyvkar, Priluzsky, Syktyvdin, Sysolsky, Ust-Vymsky, Ust-Kulomsky, Koigorodsky, and Knyazhpogostsky districts.
Recent studies indicate that 605 tests have been conducted, with 9 positives for tick-borne encephalitis virus antigen, 240 positives for Lyme disease, and 1 positive for human monocytic ehrlichiosis.
Ticks are notorious carriers of infectious diseases like tick-borne encephalitis, Lyme disease, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, human monocytic ehrlichiosis, and more. Among these health threats, only a vaccine is available for tick-borne encephalitis.
One of the most crucial ways to prevent tick infections is personal protection, which includes donning protective clothing and performing self and mutual examinations. Moreover, utilize repellent and acaricide preparations, often available in pencil and aerosol forms. Ensure you follow the instructions carefully. To prevent ticks from entering your home via your pet's fur, regularly inspect your pets. Avoid bringing fresh-cut plants and other items that may harbor ticks into your home.
If a tick is attached, it's crucial to head to a medical facility for proper removal and testing for tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease. This inspection is essential for timely emergency prevention of tick-borne encephalitis using human immunoglobulin, which should be administered within 96 hours after the tick bite.
While the current data on tick bites in the Republic of Komi isn't exhaustive, the recommendations for tick prevention and removal are well-established in public health practices. Across the Northern Hemisphere, tick activity increases with warmer weather, typically resulting in most bites occurring from spring to early autumn. Regions with mild winters or increased outdoor recreation may observe higher tick populations.
To minimize the risk of tick bites and diseases, follow these precautions: wear protective clothing, employ EPA-approved insect repellents, stay on trails, check for ticks after outdoor activities, and shower soon after returning indoors. If a tick is found attached to the skin, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it close to the skin surface and carefully remove it. Wash the bite area with alcohol or soap and water, and monitor for symptoms such as rash or fever in the weeks following a tick bite. Consult a healthcare provider if symptoms develop.
In the light of recent studies and the ongoing health threats from ticks, it's recommended to stay updated on news regarding tick-borne medical conditions such as tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease, especially in the Republic of Komi where the number of tick bites reported has been significant this season. To safeguard personal health and wellness, it's essential to follow preventive measures like wearing protective clothing, using repellents, staying on trails, and promptly removing attached ticks for testing.
