Mallorca Launches Research into Rising Tick-Borne Illnesses
A new study spearheaded by the Primary Care Management of Mallorca (IB-SALUT) aims to better understand the risks associated with increasing tick populations and potential pathogen transmission in the Balearic Islands. The research, formally titled ‘Macroscopic and microbiological analysis of the ticks, clinical assessment and follow-up at 4 weeks of the people who come to a health center for a tick sting in the Balearic Islands,’ is being led by researchers Susana Munuera and Javier Arranz.
The initiative comes as health officials observe a rise in tick activity, particularly following a wetter-than-usual spring. While not all ticks carry disease, experts emphasize their potential to transmit harmful pathogens. “All ticks are potentially dangerous since they can transmit pathogens,” explained Miquel Àngel Miranda, a Professor of Zoology at the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB) and researcher at INAEGA. “This year there is more in Mallorca because this spring has rained.”
Phase One Findings Offer Reassurance
The first phase of the two-year study, conducted between April and November 2024, involved 43 individuals who sought medical attention after experiencing 49 tick bites. Researchers extracted the ticks for analysis and conducted blood tests on the patients, repeating the tests four weeks later to monitor for any adverse effects.
Early results are encouraging. According to Dr. Munuera, the initial analysis has not revealed any significant infections among the participants. The most commonly detected bacteria thus far are rickettsias, which cause Mediterranean spotted fever, a disease characterized by high fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and a distinctive skin rash appearing 2-5 days after the onset of fever.
Manacor Identified as a Hotspot
Data from the first phase also revealed a geographic concentration of tick bites. The area surrounding Manacor experienced the highest number of cases, particularly among men with an average age of 58. Bites were most frequently located on the lower extremities, such as the legs, but also occurred on the head, behind the ears, in armpits, and in the groin area.
Ongoing Research and Future Implications
Despite the positive initial findings, researchers caution against drawing definitive conclusions. The second phase of the study, which began in April and is scheduled to conclude in November, is currently underway. Participating health centers include Graduated School, Satorre-Manacor, Vilafranca, Sineu, Canal Salat (Menorca), Santa Eulària (Ibiza), and the SUAP, as well as the emergency services of the hospitals of Mallorca.
Individuals over the age of 18 who have located a tick and have a designated physician within the IB-Salut system are encouraged to visit one of these centers to potentially participate in the study. Officials advise against seeking treatment at hospital emergency rooms to avoid overburdening the system.
Dr. Munuera underscored the importance of both preventing tick bites and understanding the potential diseases they can transmit. The ongoing research promises to provide crucial insights into the prevalence of tick-borne illnesses in the Balearic Islands and inform public health strategies for mitigating risk.
