Statistics show that tick-borne diseases are more common in urban areas than in rural areas. in 2020 In Lithuania, almost the same number of persons suffered from tick-borne encephalitis in cities and villages, and twice as many urban residents suffered from Lyme disease than persons registered in villages. In order to reduce the spread of these diseases, Vilnius city municipality and the Vilnius Public Health Office "Vilnius svieviau" launched an information campaign in the capital, which calls for taking measures to protect against tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease.
"It is a myth that people living in the city are less at risk of tick-borne diseases. The only advantage cities have in this regard is more hard surfaces and more frequent grass cutting. However, Vilnius is a green city - there are many wooded areas and parks in and around it, where people like to spend their free time. It's really easy to bring a tick home from there with clothes or animals, so we encourage people to pay more attention to protective measures," says the Vice Mayor of the city of Vilnius Valdas Benkunskas.
Throughout the month of May, outdoor stands in the busiest parts of the city will remind residents of measures to prevent the spread of tick-borne diseases. According to the vice mayor, it is hoped that the campaign will encourage residents to get vaccinated and be more careful in nature.
Infections with tick-borne encephalitis are on the rise
Due to the favorable climate for the spread of the disease, the incidence of tick-borne encephalitis in Lithuania is one of the highest in Europe. Despite this, the number of cases is still increasing, from 2019 to 2020. the number of recorded cases of the disease in the country increased by almost a third, in Vilnius and in Vilnius district - 14 percent
Guoda Ropaitė-Beigė, director of "Vilnius svieviau", says that in order to protect yourself from diseases spread by ticks, it is important to remain conscious: choose closed, light-colored clothes when going to the forest, and when returning from the field, do not forget to look after yourself, children and animals.
However, it is emphasized that the most effective protection against tick-borne encephalitis is vaccination. Their effectiveness after a full vaccination of 3 doses reaches 97%. However, only 12% of the people in Lithuania who have been vaccinated so far are. of the entire population.
"We follow foreign practices and see that there is simply no more effective protection against this disease. For example, after vaccination in Austria, 82 percent population with at least 1 dose of vaccination, the number of cases of tick-borne encephalitis fell by 3000, says the head of the institution. - The number of people getting vaccinated is also increasing in Lithuania, but we invite you to use the opportunity to prevent the disease even more actively. One in three people with tick-borne encephalitis experience permanent effects, including complete paralysis, so perhaps people underestimate the risk."
Cases of tick-borne encephalitis are recorded from March to December. Most cases are detected in July, August and September.
"With accelerated vaccination, two doses can be received in a couple of weeks. Immunity lasts about a year after two doses. So, if you rush to get vaccinated, the population could protect themselves from the disease this season," notes G. Ropaitė-Beigė and reminds that starting this March vaccinations can be done not only in public polyclinics or private clinics, but also in pharmacies.
Precautions protect against Lyme disease
The tick-borne Lyme disease is even more common in Lithuania. About 3000 people get sick here every year. Last year, 740 cases of Lyme disease were detected in Vilnius and Vilnius district alone.
Since there is no vaccination against the disease, it is best to wear light-colored, full-body, close-fitting clothing when spending time in nature. Long socks and head covering - scarf, hat or hood are recommended. It is also recommended to use repellents, and when you return, be sure to check yourself and your loved ones. Special attention should be paid to the groin, harness, neck and ear area, armpits.
"We have to learn these steps like the alphabet, regardless of whether we are vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis or not, because Lyme disease also exists nearby. Although the disease is treated with antibiotics, it is also quite difficult to get sick, so you should not give up on preventive practices, especially considering that they do not require a lot of time or effort," reminds V. Benkunskas, Vice Mayor of Vilnius.
"Vilnius svieviau" specialists add that it is extremely important to monitor your body after a tick bite, and if you notice a rash around the bite site, elevated temperature, headache, joint, muscle pain or general weakness, you should consult a family doctor as soon as possible.
