Bolesławiec District Sanitary and Epidemiological Station:
From early spring until late autumn, when hiking and walking through forests and parks, pay particular attention to ticks. These small arachnids are dangerous because they can transmit serious diseases.
What are the most common tick-borne diseases?
The most common include Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). You can be vaccinated against TBE; there is still no vaccine for Lyme disease, which is an illness we should not underestimate. It can cause, among other things:
- inflammatory joint changes,
- chronic inflammation of the brain and meninges,
- paresis,
- paralysis of peripheral nerves,
- sensory disturbances,
- mental and memory disorders,
- fatigue (episodic or constant),
- sluggishness,
- headaches (usually in the occipital region),
- muscle pain and cramps.
That is why it is worth knowing how to protect yourself. Lyme infection is asymptomatic in its initial phase. Visible symptoms in the form of a round or oval red rash may appear within several weeks of the bite. These symptoms are painless and change over time, eventually disappearing completely.
The infection may also be accompanied by flu-like symptoms, drowsiness or balance disorders.
What should you do if you suspect that you have been bitten by a tick?
Sanitary inspection: “Any suspected infection should be discussed with a doctor. Lyme disease is treated with antibiotic therapy only under the supervision of a specialist. If the patient does not develop the typical erythema migrans, Lyme disease is diagnosed through a blood test.”
Removing a tick as soon as possible significantly reduces the risk of possible infection. It is estimated that even if the tick was infected, when it is removed from the skin within 12 hours of the bite, the number of Lyme spirochetes entering the human body will be too small to cause infection.
How can you protect yourself?
State Sanitary Inspection: “Ticks get onto our clothing or skin directly from plants. When passing through undergrowth, we can pick up a tick from a leaf or blade of grass, so appropriate clothing is important. By choosing light-coloured clothing, you will spot a tick more quickly and easily, while wearing a long-sleeved sweatshirt or jacket, long trousers, closed shoes and a hat or cap will make it harder for parasites to reach your skin.”
Additional protection is provided by tick repellents. Sanitary inspection:
However, use them carefully and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging.
After returning home, carefully inspect your skin, including body creases such as behind the ears and the backs of the knees. A tick bite is painless, and the unwelcome guest may remain unnoticed on our body for several days. Combing your hair and washing your entire body can also help remove ticks.
Details below:
