How to protect yourself from tick-borne encephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis is a dangerous viral disease that primarily affects the nervous system. People who work in forests are at the highest risk of infection. In recent years, cases have often been reported among city residents infected in parks and garden plots. The infection is carried by hard ticks. The disease is transmitted when an infected tick bites a person. Infection is also possible if an attached tick is crushed. Consuming cow's or goat's milk from infected animals can also cause tick-borne encephalitis. What to do if you find a tick If you find an attached tick on your skin, remove it. Do not try to brush it off. Put a few drops of oil or alcohol on the tick and wait 20 minutes. Then you can remove it. Slip a loop of thread under its lower legs, tighten it gently, and slowly pull the tick straight up with a rocking motion. You can also try removing it with tweezers. Place the tick in a container, seal it tightly, and take it to the nearest infectious disease hospital, where they can determine whether it is infected. If you are not sure you can remove the tick yourself, go to any nearby medical facility; it does not have to be an infectious disease hospital. They will carefully remove it and prescribe the necessary preventive treatment. See a doctor for a month after the bite. If you develop a fever, a rash, or a headache, contact an infectious disease specialist right away. Preventing the disease The most effective way to prevent the disease from developing after a tick bite is an injection of anti-tick immunoglobulin, given as a single intramuscular dose. The medicine contains antibodies that can fight the encephalitis virus. It is made from donated blood from people who have been vaccinated against the disease, which makes it quite expensive. A number of antiviral medicines may also be used to prevent tick-borne encephalitis. Keep in mind that not everyone bitten by a tick develops tick-borne encephalitis. The disease is rare in people with a healthy immune system. If you develop symptoms, see a specialist, as further treatment is only available in a hospital. Starting treatment promptly minimizes the risk of complications. How to protect yourself from tick-borne encephalitis The most effective protection against tick-borne encephalitis comes from your own antibodies, produced in response to vaccination. Vaccination is traditionally given in autumn and winter because the body needs time to produce antibodies to the virus. Modern vaccines from other countries are also available for rapid vaccination; the schedule consists of 3 shots over 3 weeks. Unfortunately, vaccination is only 97% effective; 3% of vaccinated people do not develop antibodies to the virus. Remember to follow precautions in the forest. Wear clothing that covers your whole body, with snug elastic cuffs around your wrists and ankles. Don't forget a hat. Treat your clothing, shoes, and gear with a special tick repellent. After leaving the forest, carefully check your clothing and exposed skin. When walking in city parks, stay on the paths and avoid sitting on the grass under bushes. If you take your pets for a walk, check their fur when you get back.