As the long Herb weekend approaches, experts are warning of a second wave of tick activity. People spend a lot of time outdoors, near lakes, rivers and beaches - ticks lurk everywhere. In addition, the season of picking mushrooms and berries is getting faster and faster. Insurance data show that the peak of tick bites is recorded in August and September.
According to an insurance expert, due to the natural and climatic conditions, ticks are extremely common in Lithuania, so the risk of contracting the diseases they carry is high and remains throughout the year. However, the numbers show that the peak of infections is precisely in late summer and early autumn.
"Looking at the numbers of recent years, we can see that ticks wake up in the spring after winter, and are most active in August and September. For example, last year, comparing May and August, the number of losses in the summer month increased almost three times.
In the spring, they fully wake up after the winter and then the first wave of bites occurs - this year, during the spring, we paid out almost 20 thousand to our clients. euros to compensate for losses. In summer, people spend more and more time in nature and the number of bites only increases. However, we observe the peak in the months of August and September," says Artūras Juodeikis, head of the Claims Department of "Lietuvos dramudi".
As the expert notes, more losses have already been recorded this year than in the same period last year - in the first 7 months.
"This year, compared to the same period last year, 8 percent have already encountered tick-borne diseases. more of our customers. Amounts paid out to cover losses grew even more - almost 11 percent. In July alone, we have already paid out more than 27 thousand. an amount of euros for residents who have encountered tick bites and the diseases they spread", says A. Juodeikis.
City dwellers are no exception
As the insurance expert tells us, the more people visit the forests, the more opportunities there are for ticks to get sucked in.
"However, it is important to understand that these parasites do not only live in forests. Ticks can be sucked in even on the beach, walking through the forest through the grass. City dwellers are also not protected - there are also parks and tall grass where ticks live. This year, there are many cases of encephalitis and Lyme disease infection in Vilnius, Utena, Marijampole, Alytus counties," says A. Juodeikis.
However, the expert notes that it is not for nothing that the losses are highest in the months of August and September - this is really closely related to the fact that people pick more mushrooms and berries.
"Even during the upcoming Herb weekend, people definitely spend more time in nature, when they are more likely to encounter ticks. Therefore, I would definitely suggest using repellants that repel these parasites a little. Choose lighter colors to make it easier to spot arachnids before they can burrow into your skin. Of course, it would be best to get vaccinated in advance," advises the specialist.
It is important to visit the doctor on time
After being sucked in by a tick, a person can be infected with several diseases at the same time. However, two are the most dangerous - tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease.
"Over the past year, most of the payouts to tick-borne disease clients were specifically for Lyme disease. In 2019, the number of damages due to Lyme disease was 364, and last year it reached 391.
Meanwhile, we count significantly less damage from tick-borne encephalitis - there were 2021 of them in 22. However, I want to point out that tick-borne encephalitis is an extremely difficult and long-term disease to treat," the insurance expert shares the figures.
According to the data of the insurance company, in 2021, payments due to diseases caused by ticks reached almost 200 thousand. euros.
"This year, we have already paid almost 90 thousand to the residents. euros. The average amount of the loss is 462 euros. There are also cases where payments exceed the amount of 2000 euros. After the doctor diagnoses the disease, the amount is paid in full and immediately," says Artūras Juodeikis.
The expert advises that after being bitten by a tick, you should immediately contact a doctor who will perform the necessary tests.
"There is no effective vaccine against Lyme disease, immunity to it is not acquired, so a person can get this disease repeatedly if he is bitten by an infected tick again. However, I would encourage everyone to get vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis. Also, our company offers special insurance against diseases caused by ticks, which costs only 7 euros per year", says A. Juodeikis.
