Double growth of Marseille fever patients and 30% more cases of Lyme disease reported health authorities compared to last year. The infections are carried by ticks that have been active since spring and it is expected that due to the warm and humid weather, there will be bites from them until early autumn. This was announced by the chief state health inspector, Associate Professor Angel Kunchev.
“We have 30% more Lyme disease and 50% more Marseilles fever. As a percentage, it is a lot, but as real numbers, it is not.
There are nearly 100 cases of Lyme disease and 47 of Marseille fever, but they were twice as few last year”, Assoc. Prof. Kunchev summarized, quoted by “Trud news”.
He noted that the most infected were recorded in early spring, but ticks are still dangerous. “I expect there will be bitten people until the beginning of autumn”, the specialist pointed out.
He advises always checking our body after being in areas with grassy areas, tall vegetation and the presence of domestic or farm animals.
“Small children must be examined after a walk, even in an urban environment”, added the expert and clarified that repellents must be used correctly.
“They also have their influence on pets, but they have a limited effect of an hour or two. Ticks are sometimes quite small, easily removed when soon absorbed.
And the chance of transmitting the infection is directly dependent on the time the insect is in our body. Up to 24, even up to 48 hours, the infection can very rarely be transmitted.
This happens when it stands longer”, added Prof. Kunchev.
He did not fail to note that people should also be careful with summer viruses.
“Whooping cough hasn't gone away. About 100 people are registered per week, the most and severe cases are children in the risky first two months, when they have not yet been immunized.
More worrying is the presence of measles, although there are only 10 cases, the infection index is very high, it is transmitted very easily, and anyone without immunity has serious cause for concern in a more serious circulation.
The only thing we need to do is complete immunization,” concluded Prof. Kunchev.