With the normalization process, Istanbul Okan University Hospital Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist Professor, especially against the dangers of tick bites that may be encountered with the increase in the density of the rural areas, in these days when we carry out activities in open areas compared to the past. Dr. Nail Özgüneş warned.
What are the symptoms of tick bites?
Fever, chills-chills, headache, muscle aches, weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, photophobia, red rashes on the face and chest, sleepiness if the disease progresses are the most obvious symptoms.
What is the role of animals in the transmission of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV)?
Rabbits are the animals most associated with KKKAV. Because they are a good reproductive host for the virus. Hedgehogs and squirrels are also a good reproductive host for the virus, but their population density is low. Birds do not play a role in the reproduction of the virus, except for crows. Crows are an important host for ticks.
Do pets play a role in its transmission?
They have no direct interest, but they are potential sources of transmission during the period in which they have the virus in their blood. Pets can help identify risky areas. If the serum tests of pets in a region are positive for KKKAV, that area is considered risky.
In which months are ticks most common?
Tick movements increase in hot climate. The number of cases is highest in June-July, most cases occur in spring and autumn.
What are the risk groups?
Those living in the endemic region, visitors, vacationers, farmers, livestock farmers, butchers, slaughterhouse workers, veterinarians, healthcare professionals, laboratory workers and patient relatives are risk groups.
How long is the incubation period?
It is 1-3 (maximum 9) days after tick holding. It may be 5-13 days if there are other ways of transmission.
What are the methods of protection?
It is necessary to spray the pets, to control ticks in animals, to train the farmer, and to create risk maps. But the most important is personal protection. It is a very effective method for people who have to be in risky areas or rural areas to tuck their trousers into socks. In addition, the first thing that farmers, working, walking around or having picnic in rural areas, when they return home, should be to check their bodies for ticks by undressing. Because ticks secrete a narcotic substance, they do not cause pain on the skin they cling to, and time works against that person. It is a very dangerous behavior to break the tick when it is seen. Breaking the tick is also one of the factors that cause its transmission.
How should the hospital be protected?
Since KKKAV is very contagious, universal protection and contact isolation measures should be taken.
What is the treatment for CCHFV disease?
Supportive therapy is medication and intensive care therapy.
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