Expert warns: "Ticks don't just bite, they transmit deadly diseases"

As the weather gets warmer, there is a serious increase in tick cases.

Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Specialist Dr. Fatih Bostancı, who stated that especially those living in rural areas and citizens intertwined with nature are at great risk, drew attention to the increasing number of deaths and made warnings. Specialist Dr. Fatih Bostancı reminded that many dangerous diseases, especially Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), can be transmitted through ticks.

"Never pop a tick"

Speaking about what to do in case of a tick bite, Specialist Dr. Bostancı said, "When encountering a tick, first of all, do not panic and the tick should never be popped. Instead of trying to remove the tick on your own, you should definitely go to the nearest health institution. Symptoms such as high fever, weakness, muscle pain should be carefully monitored for 10 days after the tick is removed; if such complaints occur, you should go to a health institution without wasting time."

"Those who spend time in nature should be careful"

Emphasizing that people who spend time in nature should take precautions against the risk of ticks, Specialist Dr. Bostancı stated that when going to long grass or forest areas, it is important to choose clothes that cover the body, tuck trouser legs into socks and wear light-colored clothes so that ticks can be noticed more easily. Specialist Dr. Bostancı also drew attention to the fact that children in particular should be observed carefully in this regard.

"In case of doubt, always consult the nearest health institution"

Stating that one should not hesitate to go to the hospital after a tick bite, Specialist Dr. Fatih Bostancı concluded his words as follows:

"We repeat similar warnings on this issue every summer, but unfortunately, negligence leads to deaths. Being aware of ticks protects not only ourselves but also our environment. In suspicious cases, definitely consult the nearest health institution."