Ticks are the first victims in Timiş

Starting from April and until November, ticks are active. Insects live in areas with tall grass, but also in areas with high humidity. Along with the rise in temperatures, the first cases also appeared.

Ticks are parasitic insects that feed on the blood of the host whose body they reach. Once attached to the body, they can eliminate various pathogens through saliva.

“Most patients presented themselves at the Guard Room of the health unit, were consulted and received recommendations for antibiotic prophylaxis, if necessary, as well as indications for post-tick bite investigations and were directed to the Reception Units Emergencies for the extraction of ticks. There were quite a few who talked to my colleagues on the phone to find out what steps to take after being bitten by insects. It is very important to remove the tick as quickly as possible, within the first 24 hours. Otherwise, there is a risk that the Borrelia bacteria, which is transmitted by the bite of the insect, will reach the blood, and from there until the patient has Lyme disease, it is only one more step. The removal of the tick must be done very carefully, and we recommend that it be performed by a surgeon from the UPU, and this is because there is a risk that, during the intervention, the head of the parasitic insect will be broken off, which remains in the body and can transmit next the Borrelia bacteria”, says the assistant. university Dr. Mirela Turaiche – infectious disease specialist, Dr. Victor Babeş Timişoara Hospital for Infectious Diseases and Pneumophthisiology.

Victor Babeş Hospital doctors advise those who detect ticks not to use “baby” methods to remove them: heating the area where they are located or using substances to neutralize them. There is a possibility that they penetrate more into the skin and release a greater amount of pathogen.

The virus that causes tick-borne encephalitis is transmitted from the moment the insect begins to feed.

“For those who cannot reach an Emergency Reception Unit within 24 hours, we recommend that they try to remove the tick themselves. For this, tweezers will be used that will be fixed as close as possible to the access point of the sting, and then slowly extracted, as straight as possible, and above all without crushing or breaking the tick. The area is disinfected with alcohol or an antiseptic solution. Even if the insect is extracted through this intervention, the person who was bitten should be consulted by an infectious disease doctor, who may recommend specific blood tests. It must be said that Lyme disease begins in an interval of up to 30 days after contact with the Borrelia bacteria, which is transmitted through this tick bite”, says the assistant. university Dr. Mirela Turaiche – infectious disease specialist, Dr. Victor Babeş Timişoara Hospital for Infectious Diseases and Pneumophthisiology.

If it is not treated in time, the disease can develop with joint, cardiac and neurological damage.

Doctors at the Dr. Victor Babeş Infectious Diseases and Pneumophthisiology Hospital recommend a series of measures to prevent exposure to ticks:

– On green grass, wear light-colored clothing, so that ticks can be seen more easily; cover your arms and legs, pull your socks over your pants; the shoes should be light in color, without holes or cutouts
– Use plaids and blankets for the picnic, and they should be light colored
– Use repellent substances, sprays against ticks
– For longer trips, a 0.5% permethrin-based insecticide can be applied to clothes, shoes and equipment
– If you sleep in nature, on the ground or in a tent, use anti-insect nets around the bed and protective film
– When you arrive home, carefully check your luggage, clothes and especially your pets
– Shower daily. When showering, check carefully for ticks, especially in soft, delicate areas (underarms, behind ears, between legs, behind knees, navel, hairy scalp)
– Treating clothes used in areas possibly contaminated with ticks, by washing and drying for at least one hour with warm/hot air.