An early awakening of ticks and an increase in the period of their activity are noted in the Brest region, the entomologist of the regional center of hygiene, epidemiology and public health Larisa Yarets told BelTA.
This trend is indicated by the data of entomological observations. As practice has shown in recent years, the ticks wake up in January and are active until December. So, last year, the last tick bite of a person in the region was registered on December 23. This year, the first bite was recorded on January 7 in the territory of Brest region. A child was injured by a tick from a stack of firewood.
In February, warm weather conditions caused the ticks to wake up massively. When examining natural biotopes in Baranovichi, Kamenetsky, Kobrin and Pinsk districts, the average monthly number of meadow ticks was 5.9 specimens per flago / km. At a tick-borne hospital in the Red Yard near Brest on February 14, entomologists counted 3 specimens per flagship / kilometer, and on February 28 - already 18 individuals. Among them, 6 specimens of an epidemiologically significant species were found - forest ticks, which are distributors of tick-borne infections, including tick-borne encephalitis.
“Usually, forest mites are activated in April, at stable positive temperatures. Therefore, their appearance in February was a complete surprise for us,” said Larisa Yarets.
As of March 5, in the Brest region 7 cases of tick bites have already been registered in the Pinsk, Pruzhany, Kobrin and Brest districts. Among the victims including three children under the age of 17 years. Blood-sucking insects attacked their victims in private farmsteads, in forest-park areas, in summer cottages, in places for walking dogs. Of the five ticks removed from the victims and brought for the study, two were infected with Borreliosis.
In connection with the beginning of the season of harvesting birch sap, experts expect an increase in the number of calls for tick bites. Entomologists recall the need to observe precautionary measures, paying particular attention to individual protection. Clothes should cover the body areas as much as possible, it is necessary to use repellents, do not forget to examine yourself and pets after nature walks.
