Infectious disease doctor listed actions in case of a tick bite in winter

If in winter a person became a victim of an encephalitic tick bite, it is important to act without panic, but as soon as possible, noted Vladimir Neronov, MD, PhD, an infectious disease doctor at JSC "Medicine" (Clinic of Academician Roitberg).

He specified that a tick bite can cause dangerous diseases such as tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease. To minimize the risks, you need to follow some recommendations.

First, you should not remove the tick yourself.

"An important rule when bitten by a tick is not to try to remove it yourself. Many people make the mistake of using oils or other substances, hoping the tick will fall off. This can actually cause the tick to press its saliva, increasing the chance of infection. It is best to leave the tick in place without touching it and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Specialists will be able to carefully remove the tick with minimal risk to health," the doctor explained.

According to him, if it is impossible to go to the hospital immediately, you should carefully place the tick in a small jar or container with a lid. This is important because later medical workers can analyze it to find out if it has been infected with the tick-borne encephalitis virus or borreliosis. Putting it in a jar with a little water or dry is the best way for later testing.

"After a tick bite, do not delay a visit to a trauma center, sanitary epidemiological station or a therapist. It is important in the first 72 hours after the bite to receive preventive treatment - an injection of gamma-globulin. This will help prevent the development of tick-borne encephalitis. The doctor may also prescribe tests to find out whether the tick is infected with Lyme disease", - said Neronov.

If it was not possible to contact a specialist immediately, it is important to monitor your condition. For two weeks after the bite should monitor the body temperature. If it rises or there is redness around the bite - in the form of a ring - it may be a sign of the onset of disease, such as borreliosis. In such cases, you should immediately consult an infectious disease specialist, the specialist emphasized.

"The best protection against infection is vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis, so take care of vaccinations in advance. Being in places where there may be ticks, wear light-colored clothes that cover the body completely, and carefully check yourself after walks. So, if you are bitten by a tick, do not try to remove it yourself. Immediately go to a medical facility to get the necessary help and protection from possible diseases", - concluded the doctor.

Earlier, on January 23, Rospotrebnadzor reported that the season of tick activity in 2025 may begin in some regions of Russia earlier than usual. The situation will differ for different subjects of the Russian Federation due to the diversity of natural conditions.