The doctor talked about ways to protect against dirofilariasis

Dirofilariasis infection caused by roundworms of the genus Dirofilaria can be transmitted through mosquito bites to humans. Ekaterina Kashukh, an expert doctor at the Hemotest Laboratory, told Izvestia on April 2 how to protect herself from infection.

"The disease does not manifest itself immediately: it can take up to eight months before the first symptoms appear. It all starts with a small seal under the skin, it gradually grows and can shift. The skin in this place turns red and itches. If the infection spreads to the eye area, swelling may develop, and blinking becomes painful. Sometimes the parasite can even be seen as if a thin thread is moving under the eyelid," the specialist said.

In addition, body temperature, weakness and nausea may increase against the background of general intoxication. According to Kashuh, dirofilariasis can be suspected already upon examination. To clarify the diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe an ultrasound scan to determine the exact location of the parasite. In cases where the parasite is located in an area inaccessible to ultrasound, computed tomography or MRI techniques can be used. Treatment of dirofilariasis includes surgical removal of the parasite, after which it is analyzed for accurate identification.

Antiparasitic drugs are also prescribed for treatment, which are selected only by a doctor, Kashukh added.

Parasitic feature: the Gamalea center is ready to create a vaccine against infection of "mutant ticks"

How urgent is the need to develop a domestic drug for Congo-Crimean hemorrhagic fever

"For most people, dirofilariasis does not pose a serious threat, although it can greatly reduce the quality of life. The worm can live under the skin for years, causing only itching. The risk increases if the parasite reaches the eyes or lungs. This can lead to blindness and lung failure. In extremely rare cases, the parasite migrates to the heart or central nervous system," the doctor said.

The prevalence of dirofilariasis is influenced by climatic conditions and the situation with stray animals, which can be a source of infection. Mosquitoes that prefer warmth and dampness often breed in the basements of residential buildings. To reduce the risk of infection, the specialist recommends several preventive measures: treating rooms with insect repellents, installing mosquito nets on windows, using ultrasonic repellents and fumigators in the house, as well as using repellents outdoors during the mosquito season, the specialist concluded.

Bite and point: ticks have become more active in the center of Russia and Siberia

Interruptions in vaccines against encephalitis are observed in at least two regions of the country, Izvestia found out

Anton Moskaev, head of the Research Laboratory of Experimental Biology and Biotechnology, Associate Professor of the Department of General Biology and Bioecology at the State University of Education, said on March 10 that an abnormally snowy winter in Central Russia is unlikely to lead to a noticeable increase in the number of mosquitoes, since there are already enough reservoirs in the region for their reproduction. He specified that the mass appearance of insects begins when the air temperature stays above +10 degrees for about 10 days.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.