Check warning before sacrificing

In the eastern part of the Black Sea, which is compatible with the habitat of the tick species, the increasing rural population, especially in summer, has increased the number of cases of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF). CCHF is defined as an infectious disease that can be transmitted as a result of tick attachment or contact with ticks. The disease, which can be transmitted to humans through unprotected contact with blood and bodily fluids from animals and sick people, can have fatal consequences. The tick, whose vegetation and habitats are compatible with the vegetation of the eastern Black Sea region, is causing an increase in CCHF cases in direct proportion to the increasing population in the rural areas of the region, especially in the summer months. Although 20 cases have been seen in Gümüşhane in the region in the past 2 months, 9 people with a positive test were referred to Trabzon KTU Farabi Hospital for treatment. Experts call attention to caution and taking personal protection measures against ticks, which are common in rural areas, forests and green areas and can be transmitted to humans through the animals they cling to, before Eid al-Adha.

‘TICKS ON ANIMALS MUST NOT BE REMOVED WITH BARE HANDS’

Professor of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, who treats CCHF patients at KTU Farabi Hospital. Dr. Gürdal Yılmaz stated that due to seasonal weather conditions, tick bites were observed later this year compared to last year: “Last year there were more cases in these months. It may be because of the cold weather this year, but we have Eid al-Adha ahead of us and animals will be transferred. In addition to animal transfers, there are also drawing transfers. You have to be very careful here. When cleaning ticks in animals, it is necessary not to remove the ticks with bare hands, not to burst the ticks and to do it correctly. They can also get it from the internet by following this method. If a tick is inside the animal at that stressful moment during the sacrifice, the ticks can enter the human body through contact. We recommend washing and cleaning the sacrificial animal before slaughter and carefully removing the ticks and then slaughtering.

‘IF THEY SEE TICKS ON THE BODY, THEY GO TO THE HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION’

Emphasizing the importance of personal protection methods, Prof. Dr. Yılmaz stressed, said: “If you go to tick-risk areas, such as fields, vineyards, gardens, forests and picnic areas, clothes should be worn that cover the body as much as possible, trousers should be in socks be stopped and light-colored clothing should be preferred so that ticks can be easily seen on the clothing. Educational studies were conducted for people living in areas with CCHF-carrying ticks. There are things like tucking your pants into your socks and not wearing them openly, but especially those who deal with livestock should not clean the ticks from animals with their bare hands. If they see a tick on themselves, they should go to the nearest health facility to remove the tick,” he said.