A Lithuanian family doctor emphasizes the importance of vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis, particularly during the winter and early spring months when ticks are less active.
In Lithuania, family doctor Edita Svikščiūtė urges the importance of getting vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis, emphasizing that winter and early spring offer an ideal time for vaccination as they precede the peak tick season. Although ticks are typically more active from June to October, there are cases of tick-borne encephalitis being reported even in winter. Notably, the first case in 2023 was recorded in January, indicating that ticks can be active almost year-round.
Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral infection affecting the central nervous system, primarily contracted through bites from infected ticks. Symptoms usually manifest within 7 to 14 days following the incubation period. The increasing frequency of cases, even outside the expected months of high tick activity, highlights the need for greater awareness and proactive healthcare measures among the population.
The article serves as a reminder not only of the health risks posed by ticks but also stresses the importance of vaccination for susceptible individuals. Svikščiūtė's advice is timely, particularly for people who engage in outdoor activities year-round, underscoring a growing public health challenge as tick seasons blur due to changing climatic conditions.
