Tick Bites and Borreliosis in Our Region
Home-dwelling ticks responsible for biting around 80% of victims
According to recent reports, a total of 2701 individuals have sought medical help so far this year, with 1317 of them being children under 14. It's worth noting that the consultation rate has dropped by an impressive 18.6% compared to the same period last year. The regional office of Rospotrebnadzor's press service shares these figures.
Taking a closer look, most of the tick bites were recorded at home - a staggering 68.4% of the cases. Ranging from outings in nature (19.9%), dachas (2.67%), squares and parks (2.48%), to less common locations such as cemeteries and other spots (exactly 0.02%), it's clear that home presents the most significant risk.
Over the same timeframe, 179 people encountered ticks while traveling. Out of the 1565 ticks removed from people, 13.6% tested positive for tick-borne borreliosis. To ensure our region remains safe, continuous tick control measures are being maintained, and the quality of the conducted acaricide activities is being closely monitored.
Global Trends and Factors
It's noteworthy that in recent years, there's been a significant rise in tick-borne diseases, not just locally but globally. For instance, in New York City, preliminary data from 2024 reveals an increase in Lyme disease cases, with 2,952 cases reported[2]. Across the pond, Michigan has experienced a 168% increase in Lyme disease cases over the last five years, with 1,215 cases in 2024 compared to 452 in 2020[3]. Factors such as climate change have been linked to the increased prevalence of tick-borne diseases, but seasonal factors like drought and harsh winters can also impact tick populations[2].
Common Locations for Tick Bites
As we move through the seasons, it's essential to be vigilant as tick-infested areas become more frequent. Geographically, ticks are most abundant in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Upper Midwest, which are endemic for Lyme disease due to the prevalence of blacklegged ticks[4]. The Southeastern U.S. is a hotbed for a different species, the lone star tick, which is common in military installations and can transmit diseases like ehrlichiosis[4]. Interestingly, states like Michigan and Maine have experienced significant increases in tick-borne diseases[3][5].
- Science has been actively researching solutions to combat the rise in medical-conditions like tick-borne borreliosis.
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- The stock-market, venture-capital, private-equity, and banking-and-insurance sectors all play significant roles in the economy and the overall health of small-businesses.
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- Collaboration between different sectors, from healthcare to environment and finance, is crucial for addressing complex issues like the rise in tick-borne diseases and other health concerns.
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- As we move forward, it's essential to continue monitoring and addressing issues like tick-borne diseases, while also working towards a healthier, more sustainable world through initiatives in health-and-wellness, renewable-energy, and environmental-science.
