Tick bite cases drop in Belgium, researchers analyze reasons
2024-08-06
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[Global Times Comprehensive Report] Due to the adverse weather conditions affecting human activities and environmental conditions, the number of reported tick bites in Belgium has decreased since the beginning of summer this year compared to previous years. According to the Belgian "Brussels Times" report on the 4th, as one of the most widely distributed parasites in the world, ticks often appear in grasslands, bushes, forests and other places, which are harmful to humans and animals. They not only suck blood, but also transmit Lyme disease.
In Belgium, it is now the peak season for ticks, and a public health research institute has issued a warning that the risk of tick bites has risen to the orange level. However, compared with the same period in 2022 and 2023, the number of tick bite cases reported in Belgium this year has dropped significantly. Epidemiologist Lenut said: "In previous years, the peak season for ticks came earlier and lasted longer. Last year it lasted for 7 weeks, but this year it has been shortened to 2 weeks."
As for the main reason for the decrease in the number of tick bites this summer, researchers analyzed that Belgium encountered bad weather, which caused people to spend less time outdoors, and even when they went out, they would wear more clothes to cover themselves. At the same time, the survival habits of ticks also led to a decrease in numbers. Although they can resist rain, a heavy rain will still wash away ticks hiding in bushes and grass, thereby reducing their chances of biting animals and humans.
Given that 10% of Belgian ticks carry the Lyme virus, researchers recommend that people check for tick bites as soon as possible after spending a long time outdoors.
(Source: Global Times)
