Protection against infections caused by tick bites

Protection against infections caused by tick bites

04/19/2014

This year ticks are active earlier than usual because of the mild temperatures. Experts warn against the health consequences that can be caused by a tick bite. For example, Lyme disease and TBE (tick-borne encephalitis) are transmitted by ticks. Therefore, protection against the dangerous infectious diseases is advised.

Ticks are active early this year
Because of the mild temperatures, ticks are particularly active this year. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) warns, especially for southern Germany, of the potentially dangerous consequences of a tick bite. According to the experts, especially in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg many cases of tick-borne tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) occur. This is a special type of meningitis. In addition, Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks. This bacterial infectious disease occurs nationwide. There are protective measures against both diseases.

Flu-like symptoms in TBE
The tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is caused by a virus that reaches the human's blood via a tick bite. There is a danger that many patients will not notice the infection for longer, as symptoms often appear late. If one has noticed that one has been bitten by a tick, one should observe whether influenza-like symptoms such as headache, fever, nausea and vomiting occur in the following hours and days. In such cases, a doctor should be consulted. Even though the infection is usually mild, rare cases can lead to serious illnesses, such as meningitis. In some patients, the symptoms reappear two to three weeks after the symptoms have resolved. The number of TBE cases reported varies from year to year. In 2013, around 400 cases had been registered. The disease occurs mainly in southern Germany.

In risk areas, TBE vaccination is recommended
According to the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA), all people living or vacationing in TBE risk areas should be vaccinated. Particularly in risk areas such as Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, South Hesse, South Thuringia and in regions in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland there is a risk for the uninoculated outdoors. There is also a danger in Austria, Switzerland and the Baltic States. Also, vaccinated people are advised to check their vaccine protection, as this must be refreshed regularly.

Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics
In contrast, there is no vaccine against the bacterial infectious disease borreliosis. However, it is treatable with antibiotics. However, it is dangerous if a disease remains undetected for a long time, because then Lyme disease can lead to severe paralysis and diseases of the nervous system. In addition, meningitis can occur. Lyme disease usually begins with a reddening of the skin, which spreads around the tick bite. Even if only about every 100th tick bite is actually transmitted borreliosis, so the disease probability is significantly higher than in TBE. According to estimates by experts, more than 100,000 of them are affected each year in Germany.

Body-covering clothing can protect against infections
In order to protect yourself from bites, it is advised to pay attention to an appropriate ticks during the stay. This can be achieved through body-covering clothing. For example, long trousers - ideally with tight cuffs or when tucked into socks - and sturdy closed footwear protect you, especially when you're walking on meadows or in undergrowth. Even long-sleeved shirts help. Experts also advise to light clothes, as the tiny bloodsuckers are better to recognize it. In pharmacies, special insect or tick repellents are also available that can be applied to the skin or clothing. Basically, you should after the stay outdoors, thoroughly check for tick bites.

Remove ticks carefully immediately
Although the TBE virus is transmitted immediately, in Lyme disease it can take hours for the bacterium to enter the human bloodstream from the gut of the host animal. For this reason too, it is very important to remove ticks immediately, ideally with fine tweezers, if possible without any rotational movements or pinching of the teat body. In no case should be used such as oil or glue, as it suffocates the tick and this gives off even more pathogens. The puncture site can also be disinfected after removal and, if necessary, checked by a doctor. (Ad)