Ticks are returning: doctor warns of autumn peak danger

      While many believe the tick season is over, Ixodes ticks are becoming active again. According to infectious disease specialist and medical science candidate Andrey Pozdnyakov, the second peak occurs at the end of August — autumn. Depending on the weather, it can last until stable cooling, and in warm regions — even until November.

      In spring and early summer, mainly adult ticks are active, but by the end of August, a new generation appears, including nymphs — young ticks smaller than a poppy seed. They are almost invisible on the skin. Additionally, after the summer heat and dryness, ticks come out onto the grass and bushes when the temperature drops to about 10–20 degrees and humidity rises.

      "The tick does not look at the calendar; it reacts to temperature and humidity," noted the specialist.

      According to the doctor, the main danger in autumn lies not only in the ticks themselves but also in the decreased vigilance of people. In spring, a person usually knows they are in a risk zone, checks themselves more often, and seeks help more quickly. In autumn, however, a bite often goes unnoticed, and the first symptoms are mistaken for a common cold.

      The autumn tick is no less dangerous than the spring one. Tick-borne encephalitis, borreliosis (Lyme disease), anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and other infections can be transmitted through bites. There are also cases of infection with several pathogens at once.

      The doctor advises paying special attention to borreliosis. The disease can start with a small redness at the bite site, which gradually increases, along with weakness, aches, and a low temperature. Without timely treatment, the infection can lead to damage to the joints, nervous system, and heart.

      The risk also increases due to the autumn lifestyle: people are mass going mushroom picking, spending time at dachas, walking in the forest and underbrush, and walking dogs. At the same time, nymphs are so small that their attachment often goes unnoticed.

      What to do after a bite

      If a tick does attach, it must be removed as quickly as possible. It is better to go to a trauma center. When removing a tick yourself, it is not recommended to smear it with oil or try to crush it. It is advised to keep the parasite in a closed container — it can be tested by PCR for pathogens of infections.

      If the tick is lost or damaged, the person should be examined. However, immediately after a bite, tests may be uninformative: antibodies do not appear right away. Typically, tests are conducted no earlier than 10–14 days later, and if borreliosis is suspected, repeated diagnostics may be required.

      The doctor also recommends not waiting for pronounced symptoms to appear and not delaying seeking medical help.

      Autumn, according to the specialist, is also suitable for planned vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis: a course started in September or October will help form protection for the next spring season. However, there is currently no vaccine for borreliosis.

      Therefore, during autumn walks, doctors advise wearing closed clothing, using repellents, and regularly checking oneself. It is essential to check not only exposed areas of skin but also hair, the area behind the ears, armpits, groin, and popliteal fossae. After returning home, it is advisable to inspect clothing, backpacks, and pets.