Remains Possibility of Tick Bites in Russia
As the summer season continues, tick-borne diseases in Russia remain a significant public health concern, with ongoing cases reported particularly in regions like the Krasnoyarsk Territory where 26 people were diagnosed with tick-borne infections within a single week in late July 2025.
Among these diseases, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) continues to be a critical threat due to the virus’s neurological severity endemic to many parts of Russia. Another concern is anaplasmosis, a bacterial infection transmitted by Ixodes ticks, which has also been detected in Central Russia. Additionally, tick-borne rickettsiosis, a disease sharing transmission vectors and symptoms with anaplasmosis and TBE, has been warned about by Russian medical experts.
To combat these diseases, public health efforts in Russia focus on several key strategies:
- Public awareness campaigns during peak tick activity seasons (spring and summer) to educate the public about the risks and preventive measures.
- Encouraging personal protective measures such as wearing long sleeves, applying tick repellents, and thoroughly checking for ticks upon returning home, especially in areas like behind the ears, underarms, neck, and groin.
- Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis, which is the most effective preventive method available for TBE in Russia and is recommended especially in endemic areas.
Furthermore, climate change and environmental factors influence tick activity and distribution. Warmer temperatures have expanded the geographic range of various Ixodes tick species, potentially increasing the incidence and spread of tick-borne diseases across Russia.
In terms of preventive measures, the Russian consumer protection agency also recommends maintaining order on one's property by clearing fallen leaves and trimming grass, as well as treating pets with tick protection.
As of mid-2025, over 3.6 million Russian citizens have been vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis this year. However, the agency did not provide information on the specific types of ticks causing the issues in Russia. Additionally, the agency did not specify the total number of tick-borne encephalitis cases this season or the number of people who have been hospitalized due to tick bites.
In summary, Russia continues to experience cases of tick-borne encephalitis, anaplasmosis, and rickettsiosis, with notable incidence in certain regions. Preventive strategies focus on vaccination (for TBE), personal protective behavior, and public education. Climate-driven changes may influence tick distribution and disease incidence, underscoring the need for ongoing surveillance and proactive public health responses.
- News about the ongoing issue of tick-borne diseases in Russia, particularly in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, highlights a public health concern for chronic diseases like tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), anaplasmosis, and rickettsiosis.
- Science supports the notion that climate change and environmental factors play a role in tick activity and distribution, potentially increasing the incidence and spread of these diseases.
- Fitness and exercise, along with personal protective measures such as wearing long sleeves and using tick repellents, can help reduce the risk of tick bites during the warmer months when they are most active.
- Health and wellness experts recommend maintaining a clean property by clearing fallen leaves, trimming grass, and treating pets with tick protection to limit the presence of these parasites.
- Mental health and skin care may not directly influence tick-borne diseases, but a nutritious diet can bolster the immune system, potentially enhancing resistance against various medical conditions.
