Mistakes made with tick bites pose a risk: Vital recommendations from an expert

With the arrival of the summer season, there has been an increase in tick cases, and the risk has become higher, especially for those living in rural areas. Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Specialist Dr. Fatih Yıldız emphasized that tick bites are not a simple skin condition and underscored that improper intervention can open the door to serious health problems.

Ticks are harmful creatures capable of carrying various microorganisms. These small parasites can transmit diseases to humans and animals that can sometimes be fatal, such as Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, Lyme disease, tularemia, encephalitis, and Q fever.

Dr. Yıldız highlighted that the risk for Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever is higher in the vicinity of Tokat, Sivas, Çorum, Amasya, Yozgat, Erzincan, and Erzurum in our country, while noting that cases may also be seen in different regions due to climate change, migratory birds, and animal trade.

The areas on the human body that ticks prefer most are listed as behind the ears, armpits, groin, behind the knees, around the navel, and the scalp. Ticks like to attach to thin and moist areas of the skin.

Following contact with a tick, symptoms such as high fever, chills, severe headache, widespread muscle and joint pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, skin rashes or bruising, and mouth and gum bleeding may occur, usually within 10 to 14 days. When such symptoms appear, it is necessary to apply to the nearest healthcare facility without delay.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever is among the most feared tick-borne diseases in Turkey. Dr. Yıldız states that the probability of transmission from ticks is high in areas where the virus is present and that the disease can carry a risk of death.

The following statement by Dr. Yıldız contains a warning that should be emphasized with importance: “Cologne, alcohol, kerosene, acetone, or detergent should not be poured onto the tick. Such applications can cause the tick to vomit the germs it carries into the human body. Furthermore, pressing a cigarette to the tick, holding a flame to it, crushing it with bare hands, or popping it also increases the risk of the microbe being transmitted to the human.”

Experts emphasize that when a tick is detected, it should be removed as soon as possible at a healthcare facility using fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool, and in mandatory cases, it should be removed without bare-hand contact, followed by thoroughly cleaning the area with soapy water.

Wearing light-colored and long-sleeved clothing, tucking pant legs into socks, and using tick-repellent products are among the effective measures to prevent tick attachment. While in rural areas or forested regions, these simple precautions can make a big difference.

Children are at the top of the risk group. Their high level of contact with nature makes it difficult for them to notice a tick attached to their body or the development of a disease. Additionally, pets also increase the risks carried into the home environment through ticks hiding in their fur.

Following a tick bite, individuals need to closely monitor their health status for 14 days. Especially if symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, body aches, rashes, or any signs of bleeding occur, one should immediately apply to a health center. It should not be forgotten that early intervention saves lives.