Beware of this tiny visitor during spring outings... its bite could change your life!
As spring arrives and flowers bloom, nature transforms into a charming scene that attracts people to gardens and forests to enjoy the refreshing atmosphere.
But behind this beautiful image lies a silent danger that could have serious consequences: the tick insect.
The Federal Center for Public Health in Germany has issued an urgent warning about this small insect, which despite its unremarkable appearance, could be a carrier of serious diseases that threaten human health, and even life.
One bite... and the consequences could be catastrophic:
According to the center, a tick bite can transmit two highly dangerous diseases:
1 _ Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE):
It is a viral disease that starts with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and muscle pain, but it can progress to more serious complications like paralysis or speech disorders.
2 _ Lyme disease:
Caused by the bacteria "Borrelia," it usually begins with a swollen red spot around the bite area, followed by fever, headache, joint pain, and in advanced stages, it can lead to nerve damage, irregular heartbeats, or even vision problems.
The difference between treatment and prevention:
Although Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics, and encephalitis with antiviral drugs, prevention remains the first line of defense, especially since there is an effective vaccine against tick-borne encephalitis, while there is no vaccine for Lyme disease yet.
How to protect yourself from this tiny enemy?
Experts recommend following these steps to avoid tick bites:
* Wear clothing that covers your body completely when going to green areas: long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and closed shoes.
* Use insect repellent on skin and clothing.
* When returning home, thoroughly check your body, especially in hidden areas like behind the knees, behind the ears, the navel, and under the armpits.
What to do if you find a tick on your body?
Do not panic, but act quickly and correctly:
1 _ Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove the tick, grasping it as close to the skin as possible.
2 _ Avoid crushing its body after removal, as this may spread bacteria or viruses in the body.
Remember: One simple action could make the difference between an enjoyable outing and a serious infection.