According to the epidemiologist Carmen Scântei, from the Buzău Public Health Directorate, since the beginning of the year, almost 160 people from Buzău, both in urban and rural areas, went to the doctors after being bitten by ticks. Six of the patients were kept under surveillance, in which case there was a risk of illness, but in the end only three were diagnosed with Lyme disease.
Patients are safe
The three patients are men over 60 years old, from Gălbinaşi, Largu and Smeeni localities. They are animal breeders who have disregarded doctors’ recommendations to wear appropriate equipment when walking in areas with abundant vegetation and who have been bitten by ticks for this reason. According to the epidemiologist Carmen Scântei from the Buzău Public Health Directorate, the patients received adequate treatment, and are now under medical supervision, but out of any danger.
The tick bite doesn’t hurt
Public health experts recommend a number of measures to prevent Lyme disease. Thus, it is recommended that after carrying out outdoor activities in areas where ticks can live to check their presence on clothes and body, paying special attention to the armpits, groin, legs, navel, neck and head. Doctors point out that in children, ticks are often found on the head, at the level of the hairline and, as they are very small, they can be easily overlooked. The tick bite usually looks like a small dark freckle with a crust that cannot be removed from the skin. It usually doesn’t hurt. However, the tick should be removed as soon as possible to reduce the risk of infection, the source said.
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