Ticks are back, watch out for bites and the diseases they transmit to humans

With the arrival of the hot season, the tick alarm becomes topical again, having already come out of winter hibernation due to the mild temperatures and with already numerous reports, especially in the North-East, an area that has always been afflicted by annoying and dangerous parasites. In general, the tick bite is not dangerous for human health but it should not be underestimated because it can cause diseases such as infections, encephalitis (TBe)Lyme disease (co symptoms such as headache, fever, fatigue) but also the least known babesiosis
rare in Italy for now, but with cases doubled from 2011 to 2019 in the north-eastern states of the United States precisely because of the climate crisis, as indicated by a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Symptoms of babesiosis and lyme disease

Although many people with Babesiosis are asymptomaticothers develop flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, sweating, body aches. The disease can be serious or even fatal in people who have compromised immune systems or other risk factors. For decades the disease was extremely rare in the United States but has now become endemic in 10 Northeastern states. According to experts, their diffusion is increasing due to the increase in temperatures and the deer population. Lyme disease, transmitted by the bacterium, is much more common Borrelia burgdorferi with typical symptoms such as concentric rash, fever, headache, swollen joints that can last for weeks (disease that also affected Vittoria Cabello and Justin Bieber, Bella Hadid)

The infection

Babesiosis is transmitted through parasites, the Babesias that infect red blood cells and are spread by certain types of ticks (which are the definitive host). In most cases, the parasite is transmitted to humans with a tick bite during outdoor activities. In fact, ticks live in wooded areas or in tall, uncultivated grass. It is often not possible to see the bite mark, as the Ixodes scapularis tick that most frequently transmits the disease is very small, about the size of a poppy seed. Symptomssimilar to the flu, can occur 1 to 4 weeks after the tick bite (but also many months later) and can last many weeks.

Tips to avoid tick bites

In order not to run into a mint, it is good to follow some tips: walk on paths, away from tall grass and bushes; dress appropriately (long pants, long-sleeved shirt, closed shoes, hat); prefer light clothing to make ticks more easily identifiable; apply insect repellent products to areas not protected by clothing; do not get too close to the animals that can be encountered while walking in the mountains; upon returning from a trip, inspect clothes and the whole body for ticks; protect pet dogs with collars containing acaricides. only a few days ago the report of a young hiker bitten by about thirty ticks in the Belluno area.

What to do if you are bitten by a tick

If you are bitten by a major tick, do not crush it because doing so could inoculate its bacteria directly into the skin of the bitten person. Here’s how to proceed:
1) Remove the tick very gently, possibly with tweezers. The parasite must be grabbed by the headas close to the skin as possible.
2) If you have removed the tick, but the head has remained attached, try to remove it with a sterile needle (operating as for removing a splinter).
3) Disinfect the area and keep her under observation for a month.
4) Alcohol, acetone, turpentine, ammonia, oil or other substances are less effective in removing what remains of the body of the tick.
5) Consult your doctor if you develop fever, malaise or a rash on your skin in the week following the sting.