Thousands of residents in the Bay Area have been encountering ticks and getting bitten
In Zabaykalsky Krai, Russia, the number of Lyme disease cases has been on the rise. According to the latest report from the region's consumer protection agency, as of August 15, a total of 3042 cases of Lyme disease have been confirmed, with 46 of these cases affecting children.
The increase in cases is primarily attributed to ecological and climatic factors that have created ideal conditions for ticks, the carriers of the disease. These factors have extended the active season of ticks, increasing human exposure and leading to a rise in cases.
Preventive measures against Lyme disease focus on personal protection. This includes regular inspection and early removal of attached ticks, the use of tick repellents on skin and clothing, wearing protective clothing that limits skin exposure, and avoiding tick-infested environments such as tall grasses and forested areas.
These preventive steps are crucial in controlling Lyme disease risk not only in Zabaykalsky Krai but also worldwide, whether in Russia, North America, or Europe. The disease is transmitted by ticks carrying Borrelia bacteria, and these prevention strategies are consistent across regions with endemic Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is most commonly found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of Russia, the United States, and Europe. The increase in cases observed in Zabaykalsky Krai aligns with broader trends in rising Lyme disease incidence in similar ecological zones globally.
In addition to Lyme disease, specialists in Zabaykalsky Krai have also reported cases of tick-borne encephalitis and human granulocytic anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis. Since the beginning of the epidemic season, 2910 ticks have been examined, with 1.3% infected with the tick-borne encephalitis virus, 20.5% infected with Lyme disease, 4.5% infected with human granulocytic anaplasmosis, and 4.1% infected with human monocytic ehrlichiosis.
As a precautionary measure, 39,967 residents of Zabaykalsk have been vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis, with 13,837 children under the age of 17 receiving the vaccine.
The rise in Lyme disease cases in Zabaykalsky Krai underscores the need for continuous public health efforts in tick surveillance, public education, and personal protective behavior to limit infection rates. By taking the necessary precautions and staying informed, individuals can help protect themselves and their communities from the risks associated with tick-borne diseases.
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Lyme disease. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/ [2] World Health Organization. (2021). Lyme disease. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lyme-disease
