In Minsk decreased the number of requests for medical help for tick bites
In the capital, there was a positive trend in the appeal to health care institutions of citizens affected by tick bites. ...
In the capital, there was a positive trend in the appeal to health care institutions of citizens affected by tick bites. In 2026, the number of such visits to doctors was 16% lower than the average long-term statistics. This was reported to journalists on September 9 by entomologist of the Minsk City Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology Galina Mlynarchik, the correspondent of the Minsk-Novosti agency reports.
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The expert suggested that this trend is associated with high awareness of the population (for the prevention of tick-borne infections). People are getting better at personal safety. At the same time, the entomologist drew attention to the fact that 60 percent of tick bites occurred in suburban areas and rural areas, and 21 percent in forests. In other cases, citizens were injured in different green areas outside the Moscow Ring Road.
- The season of activity of ixodic mites in Minsk and its surroundings began in March and will last until November, Mlynarchik warned. And all this time, specialists of the sanitary and epidemiological service of the capital conduct continuous monitoring of urban areas. This includes regular surveys of parks, squares and territories of children's institutions. If during entomological control we detect an excess of the permissible number of ticks, business entities are promptly sent information letters. They contain recommendations for the necessary acaricidal measures. By the way, as of today, the planned activities have already been completed at all Minsk facilities under control. The total area of acaricide treatments was about 600 hectares.
According to the entomologist, thanks to the systematic approach, the number of dangerous arthropods directly in the capital is steadily decreasing.
Also G. Mlynarchik reminded the basic, but the most effective rules of protection against ticks when traveling to nature. First of all, it is the most closed clothing of light colors (it is easier to notice the parasite on it) and the competent use of special protective equipment.
- When choosing a repellent, be sure to study the label: it should be clearly indicated that the tool was developed against ticks, the entomologist noted. Conventional mosquito sprays are ineffective against them. The optimal choice is acaricide-repellent agents that not only scare away, but destroy the suction parasite.
G. Mlynarchik drew attention to the need for strict compliance with the instructions. So, some drugs are strictly forbidden to apply to the skin - they are processed exclusively clothing. And the most reliable method of prevention, the expert called regular self- and mutual examinations. They should be carried out every 15-20 minutes of being in nature. Upon returning home, you should carefully examine not only yourself, but also pets and brought things (bouquets, bags, equipment).
Owners of suburban areas, the expert recommended regular thorough cleaning of fallen foliage and dry grass, as well as clean the territory from boulder and plant debris. It is also important to thin out thick shrubs in a timely manner and mow lawns.
