2024-04-17 12:47:58
Spring warmth is a feast for ticks, says naturalist Selemons Paltanavičius.
“As the climate changes, the seasonality of ticks is shrinking more and more, and in winter there is a chance to find a tick in the forest, especially if we go with a pet, a long-haired dachshund or another puppy,” warned S. Paltanavičius.
There are about several hundred species of ticks in Lithuania, but 4 are the most dangerous for humans, due to the infections they cause – tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease.
“The wood or dog tick is the most common. But seasonally, in the spring meadows and forest meadows, the meadow mite is common, very beautiful, with such a marble pattern on the back,” S. Paltanvičius explained.
The only way to protect yourself is vaccination
Diseases caused by ticks are increasing every year. Last year, 597 cases of infection were recorded, for comparison in 2022. – 377 illnesses.
According to specialists, tick-borne encephalitis is an insidious disease that initially manifests as the flu, and later, if it is not treated, the consequences can be sad.
“It affects the brain, scalp, peripheral nerves. It is very serious, it can end very seriously, the death rate is about 2%. Paralysis can also occur and all those residual phenomena can remain for life,” warned Elvyra Ramaškienė, pharmacist of “Eurovaistinės”.
She added that the only way to protect yourself is vaccination, which is also suitable for children from one year of age.
“Only safe people are vaccinated in pharmacies. There is the first vaccination, then the second after 1-3 months. It is possible to get vaccinated quickly, after 14 days, to gain immunity faster. The third vaccination follows after 5-12 months. Later – after 3 years”, explained the pharmacist.
Two peaks of the disease
If you are bitten by a tick, experts advise you to get checked for Lyme disease, for which there is no vaccine, after a couple of weeks. The symptom of Lyme disease is a red spot on the body, which appears later. Saulius Abraškevičius, representative of Lietuvos drimadu company, says that people are actively insuring themselves against diseases caused by ticks.
“The number of insured people who apply for compensation due to tick-borne diseases has increased by 40%. Automatically 50% the amount of payments has increased”, said S. Abraškevičius.
Residents receive a payment from 500 to 2000 euros. The majority of illnesses last year were recorded among the elderly population.
“The second peak after spring is in autumn, when mushrooms and berries are in abundance. It is August, September, October, so older people perhaps spend more time in nature”, observed S. Abraškevičius.
When going out in nature, you should not forget protective measures, such as special oils or sprays.
“There are various repellents. The tick does not react to the smell but to the heat. The most effective remedy would be the one containing the chemical substance deta. This one is effective, protects against ticks for approximately 4-4.5 hours”, advised E.Ramaškienė.
According to naturalist S.Paltanavičius, even tick larvae, the size of which is up to a millimeter, can be dangerous for us. Therefore, in nature, he advises wearing light-colored, body-covering clothes, which it is advisable to wash afterwards.
2024-04-17 12:47:58