Don’t neglect the tick check after the picnic

Infectious diseases and microbiology specialist Prof. Dr. Mehmet Parlak made statements about infections caused by tick bites, which are common in the summer.

Giving information on Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Prof. Dr. Brilliant, “Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a zoonotic (animal-to-human) infectious disease caused by a virus that is transmitted by ticks and can cause death. The tick is a living creature in the arthropod part and is the biological vector of the disease. It continues its life by feeding on animals in the bushes, and on rare occasions it walks on people.”

“Every tick bite means no disease”

Stating that any tick attachment does not mean it will be a disease, Prof. Dr. Bright shared the following information:

“If there is a factor, the disease arises. The presence of a sufficient number of viruses can transmit the disease. The tick’s point of attachment may be unclear, but if the head is embedded in the skin, it can be seen more clearly. There are 400 species of ticks in the world. However, 30 tick species have been implicated in the transmission of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. The higher the amount of virus ingested during the tick bite, the higher the mortality rate. When a tick bite is noticed, a medical institution should be consulted immediately. If the tick has penetrated the skin, the intervention must be done very carefully. Because no matter how much the living being is disturbed, it empties almost all of the current virus there. If the amount of virus exceeds 10 billion, the mortality rate increases and the response to treatment decreases. The normal mortality rate is around 5 percent.”

“A doctor should be consulted before removal”

Emphasizing that the tick removal process is very important and risky, Prof Dr Bright said: “If the tick is on the skin, it should be removed with forceps, tweezers, string or a blade (do not interfere with bare hands, alcohol, cologne, kerosene, cigarettes, matches should not be used, it increases contamination). It should be removed by moving left and right as if you were removing a nail and without breaking the head portion in an appropriate manner. If the person who will remove it is not a health professional and has no experience in doing so, he should turn to a doctor or health professional.

“Fever and malaise can be seen”

Recalling the symptoms of a tick bite, Prof. Dr. Briljant: “The symptoms of tick attachment are naturally itchy where it bites. However, once the agent has inoculated the virus, clinical signs appear. Symptoms such as fever, weakness, loss of appetite, muscle pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and, in severe cases, bleeding are observed.

“Goats, sheep and pigs are more contagious”

Stating that not only the Crimean Congo, but also many diseases can be transmitted, Prof. Dr. Brilliant said: “The most important of them is the Crimean Congo. Therefore, the diagnosis of this disease is made clinically and in the laboratory. Especially if the patient went to an endemic place in Congo Crimea, if he lives in these regions, if he came into contact with an animal or a person who died in Crimea Congo, it can help us to diagnose. If the Crimean Congolese patient (human or animal) has come into contact with bodily secretions, this risk must be taken into account if he is a veterinarian, animal caretaker or livestock farmer. If the patient is a fighter, soldier or health personnel, if the above symptoms are present in the patient or there are several of them, if they have bleeding and the period of their development is short, the first disease that comes to mind is CCHF. The most contagious animals are goats, sheep, cattle and pigs. It can be diagnosed with laboratory methods.

“Be careful during the picnic”

Speaking about the precautions to be taken to avoid tick bites, Prof Dr Bright said:

“The most important action to take to prevent tick attachment or this disease is to avoid contact with the fluids of sick people and animals. The best way to do this is to use gloves and a mask. The use of apron and goggles is also very important. Picnics in bushes, high grassy areas and areas where the Crimean Congo is endemic should be checked for ticks after the picnic. In areas where it is endemic, farmers must tuck their pants into socks during work, or put on boots to prevent ticks from entering, use tick repellents or chemically control ticks. Birds that eat ticks should not be hunted or consumed.”

Treatment process

Explanation of the methods of treatment, Prof. Dr. Brilliant, “Supportive treatment forms the basis of his treatment. In addition, the patient’s fluid, electrolyte, and blood levels should be monitored. If necessary, fresh frozen plasma and platelet suspension can be given. Although existing drugs are used, they do not change the patient’s fate. As with many diseases, doctors who work in areas where CCHF is endemic recognize this very quickly. They can diagnose and treat in a short time with laboratory and anamnesis. Recovery is inevitable in patients who exceed 10 days. People with ticks should check themselves for symptoms such as weakness, loss of appetite, fever, muscle aches, headache, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea for 10 days and should contact the nearest health facility immediately if any of these symptoms occur. prevent.