Tick ​​warning at Easter

Tick ​​warning for Easter: Ministry of Health warns against tick bites in the easter egg hunt

18.04.2011

The Bavarian Ministry of Health warns against tick bites in the easter egg hunt. Due to the warm weather, the little bloodsuckers have been active again since the beginning of April this year. Starting at a temperature of seven degrees, the blood-sucking arachnids set off on a hunt. For people threatening with a bite dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease or the tick-borne encephalitis (inflammation of the brain / meninges).

Normally, the risk of infection with a tick bite is relatively low. The little bloodsuckers are more annoying and disgusting than really dangerous. But especially in the so-called risk areas, people should take appropriate precautions for tick protection when staying outdoors, said the Bavarian Ministry of Health. Both Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) can have serious health consequences.

Do not neglect ticks in the Easter egg hunt
The tick protection should not be neglected in the risk areas also in the easter egg hunt, explained the Bavarian Ministry of Health. Health State Secretary Melanie Huml (CSU) strongly warned against the possible consequences of an early-summer meningoencephalitis (TBE) such as inflammation of the meninges, brain or spinal cord and referred to the existing Lyme disease risk. In order to be able to pursue the egg hunt without any worries, according to the experts, it is best to protect all those who spend Easter outdoors by appropriate clothing. Sturdy footwear, high socks, long pants and long-sleeved tops make this the best tick protection. Also, light clothing is advantageous because the ticks are clearly visible on this. After staying outdoors, the entire body should be thoroughly scanned for ticks and any attached animals should be removed with fine forceps or ticks. The tiny bloodsuckers bite preferably in soft skin folds of the popliteal fossa, groin and armpits. When removing, bruising or rotation of the animals should be avoided as well as the treatment with glue or oil, otherwise the tick discharges its stomach contents into the wound and significantly more dangerous pathogens can be transmitted. If the ticks are removed immediately after the bite, the risk of infection is relatively low, according to the experts, since only very few pathogens are transmitted in the first 24 hours.

Health risk from tick bites - Lyme disease and TBE
Anyone who suffers from a bite, health problems such as flu-like symptoms, red spots around the bite wound or a general feeling of weakness, should urgently consult a doctor, since there may be a Lyme disease or TBE disease. Both pose significant health risks and should be treated by a specialist. For example, the initially rather harmless symptoms of TBE, such as fever, headache, and body aches, can be followed by significant health conditions such as paralysis, breathing problems, impaired consciousness, or speech and balance disorders. Even Lyme disease, which can be treated with antibiotics relatively successfully in the initial stage, brings with it significant health problems in the later course of the disease and is hardly treatable after the transition to a chronic stage of the disease. (Fp)

Also read:
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Health: The time of the ticks has begun
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TBE and Lyme disease by tick bites
Prevention: Do not panic with ticks
Health: No vaccination against ticks