Growing prevalence of tick bites in Yakutsk
In a recent city-wide meeting on July 7, as announced by the mayor's press service, the increasing prevalence of tick-borne diseases in Yakutsk was addressed. This surge in tick-borne illnesses can be linked to several factors typical of the region's environment and tick ecology, although specific local data is scant.
Climate change, with its warmer temperatures, is enabling ticks to thrive longer and expand their geographical range, even reaching northern regions like Yakutsk. Changes in animal populations and human activities such as forestry, agriculture, and outdoor recreation are also contributing to increased human contact with ticks.
It is crucial to note that ticks in Russia can carry multiple pathogens causing diseases like Lyme disease (borreliosis), tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), relapsing fever, and babesiosis.
The symptoms of tick-borne diseases can vary depending on the pathogen but generally include fever, chills, muscle aches, and fatigue. Specific signs like the erythema migrans rash in Lyme disease and neurological symptoms (headache, confusion) in TBE can also be observed. If left untreated, more severe complications such as neurological damage or chronic illness can occur.
To reduce the risk of tick bites and infection, several preventive measures are recommended. These include avoiding tick-infested areas, especially during peak tick activity seasons; wearing protective clothing such as long sleeves and pants tucked into socks; using insect repellents containing DEET or permethrin on skin and clothing; performing thorough body checks for ticks and promptly removing any found; and vaccination against TBE for at-risk populations.
Public health awareness campaigns are also essential to educate about tick risks and preventive behaviours.
Recent reports indicate that tick bites have been recorded in various areas of Yakutsk, including Zhatae, along the Hatyn-Yuryakhsky highway, the Viluisky and Pokrovsky highways, near Usu Khatin, and several other locations. Laboratory tests are being conducted on all reported tick bite cases in medical institutions. Since the start of the current season, 37 cases of tick bites have been reported in Yakutsk, which is 1.7 times more than the number of cases (22) in the same period the previous year.
Early recognition of symptoms and adherence to preventive measures are vital to reducing the disease burden in the region. Stay informed, stay protected, and stay healthy.
- The increasing prevalence of tick-borne diseases in Yakutsk, such as Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis, can be linked to factors like climate change and changes in animal populations and human activities.
- Science and medical-conditions experts recommend several preventive measures, including avoiding tick-infested areas, wearing protective clothing, using insect repellents, conducting regular body checks for ticks, and vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis for at-risk populations.
- To ensure health-and-wellness, it's crucial to stay informed about tick risks and preventive behaviors, as well as the importance of early recognition of symptoms to reduce the disease burden in the region.
- It's worth noting that, in the quest for overall health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, mental-health, and nutrition should also be considered. CBD, for example, can help alleviate symptoms related to stress and anxiety, which are essential components of mental health.
