Cases of Lyme disease since the beginning of this year have been confirmed in Poland almost twice as many as at the same time last year. Many more cases of tick-borne encephalitis have also been recorded, according to the latest data on infectious diseases.
The list of cases of Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis was presented by the National Institute of Public Health – National Institute of Hygiene (NIZP-PZH). From January 1 to April 15 this year, 2,753 cases of Lyme disease and 47 cases of tick-borne encephalitis were recorded in Poland.
In the same period of 2022, 1,423 cases of Lyme disease and 14 cases of tick-borne encephalitis were confirmed.
Symptoms of Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis
Lyme disease, also known as Lyme disease, is caused by spirochetes of the genus Borrelia. In the first period, most infected people develop a painless erythema, in the middle of which there is clearness. Skin changes are sometimes accompanied by flu-like symptoms, such as: fever or low-grade fever, feeling of malaise, fatigue, headaches, muscle and joint pains. Late symptoms of Lyme disease in adults include, for example, atrophic dermatitis of the extremities. The changes are accompanied by arthritis and neurological changes.
Not all ticks are carriers of Lyme disease bacteria, but during a bite, they can also transfer other bacteria and viruses into the blood, causing, among others, Lyme disease. tick-borne encephalitis.
Tick-borne encephalitis is an acute viral disease that is often associated with neurological complications. In some infected people, the central nervous system is affected. Myelitis, meningitis, or meningoencephalitis may also occur. Vaccines are available against tick-borne encephalitis.
Ticks and Lyme disease. Facts and mythsNational forests
How to remove a tick
Ticks live mainly in deciduous and mixed forests, in grassy areas, in dense thickets, ferns, as well as in city parks and on the outskirts of housing estates surrounded by green areas. If a tick bites you, remove it as soon as possible. It must not be greased, benzine, wrung out or squeezed out. Gently grasp the tick with tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull upwards. Instead of tweezers, you can use miniature suction pumps or plastic forceps that can be purchased at the pharmacy. After removal, the puncture site must be thoroughly disinfected.
TicksNational forests
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