TREVISO – Thanks to the dry winter and the anticipated heat this year tick season it has already begun. The presence of ticks is a phenomenon that should not be underestimated: although in rare cases, their bite can be a vector of bacteria and viruses capable of causing various diseases, all treatable, including Lyme disease. The latter, in particular, affects the nervous system, manifesting itself from three to twenty days after the bite with very high fever it’s a very severe headache.
THE EMERGENCY
«The phenomenon of ticks in the territory of Ulss 2 is constantly monitored – underlines Erminio Bonsembiante, director of the Hygiene and Public Health Service -. Last year we had three cases of Lyme disease and no cases of encephalitis. Reduced numbers, compared to other vintages and other areas, which however should not make the problem underestimate. I remind you that it is important to adopt, to avoid taking risks, all the useful precautions in clothing and prevention and advice, to those who are most exposed, the vaccination. To date – he adds – there is no vaccine against Lyme disease while one against TBE is available, which can be carried out in the Ulss 2 vaccination points by appointment. Vaccination is the most effective active prevention and is offered free of charge to subjects belonging to some categories at risk, such as mountain rescue volunteers and Civil Protection volunteers, and at a discounted price of 25 euros per dose for other people who request it. The vaccination cycle provides for the administration of three doses with periodic boosters ».
THE ADVICES
For information and booking of vaccinations, it is possible to contact the SISP Unique Vaccination Points directly. In addition to vaccination to prevent any tick-related problems, the USL recommends the following precautions: wear light-colored, opaque clothes and closed footwear, apply insect repellent products to the uncovered parts of the body, avoid contact with vegetation and sit on the ground, do not go into areas where the grass is high at the end of a hike check the body, including the head and the clothes worn, always treat pets (dogs) with special products against ticks.