21.06.2025 12:26
As tick-related deaths continue to rise, Infectious Diseases Specialist Dr. Dengiz Uzun, who makes groundbreaking statements on the subject, noted that there has been an increase in tick bite cases in Istanbul. He stated, "According to the latest data, 6,000 to 7,000 people have sought help from healthcare institutions. What we know is that there is no Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in Istanbul. So far, no transmission has been reported."
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With the warming of the weather, there has been an increase in tick cases across the country. Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Specialist Dr. Cengiz Uzun provided groundbreaking statements regarding the issue, which has led to the deaths of 8 people in Sivas and 4 in Kayseri due to Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) transmitted by ticks.
"THE MORTALITY RATE FROM TICK-BORNE DISEASE IN TURKEY IS 5%"
Dr. Cengiz Uzun, who stated that ticks of the Hyalomma species cause CCHF, expressed that the mortality rate worldwide is between 10% and 30%, while in Turkey, this rate is 5%. Uzun mentioned that CCHF has been observed in Turkey for about 20 years and that changes in ecological balance, reduction of forested areas, and a decrease in bird populations could lead to an increase in tick cases.
"THERE ARE 6-7 THOUSAND CASES IN ISTANBUL, BUT NO TRANSMISSION"
Dr. Cengiz Uzun, who noted an increase in tick bite cases in Istanbul, stated, "According to the latest data, 6-7 thousand people have applied to health institutions with complaints of tick bites. What we know is that there is no CCHF in Istanbul. So far, there has been no reported disease transmitted by ticks in Istanbul. This disease is particularly present in the Kelkit Valley, which includes Amasya, Tokat, Samsun, Sivas, and Yozgat. There are similar ticks in Istanbul, but no transmission has been reported so far," he said.
Uzun pointed out that there are about 500-600 tick species worldwide, with around 50 identified in Turkey, stating, "Of course, not all of them carry and spread this virus. There is a genus called Hyalomma, which transmits a microorganism."
"IF A PERSON CANNOT REACH A HEALTH INSTITUTION IMMEDIATELY, THEY SHOULD REMOVE IT THEMSELVES"
Dr. Cengiz Uzun emphasized that ticks should be removed as soon as they are noticed but warned against touching them with bare hands. He said, "In such a situation, there is an attitude of 'Don't touch it, let it be removed at a health institution.' However, the most important thing here is that the less time a tick stays on the body, the better. If a person detects a tick and cannot reach a health institution very quickly, we want them to remove it themselves. They can grasp the tick close to where it is attached with tweezers or a tissue and pull it out gently. It is important to remove it slowly without being too rough. We now know that it is not critical if a piece remains inside. It is necessary to remove the tick as soon as possible, wash the area with soap and water, and apply to a health institution immediately," he stated.
"IF THERE ARE SYMPTOMS, APPLY TO THE HOSPITAL"
Uzun mentioned that the test results from the first application to a health institution are compared with the test results that will be conducted if any symptoms appear within 10 days. He continued, "If they experience any fever, weakness, flu-like symptoms, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or bleeding from the gums or under the skin within 10 days, we want them to apply to the hospital immediately. We compare the test results from the initial tick bite with those conducted later."
"IF YOU NOTICE IT EARLY, IT WILL BE EASIER TO REMOVE"
Dr. Cengiz Uzun stated, "If you go for a picnic and it will take a few hours to reach a health institution, it is beneficial to prevent the tick from staying in that situation." He added, "If you notice it early, the tick will be very easy to remove because it has not fully fed or grown yet. Normally, it can grow up to 10 times its size by sucking blood. It has not sucked that blood yet. Therefore, it is much easier to remove, and its attachment is not very strong."
"WEAR CLOSED CLOTHING, CHECK YOUR BODY"
Dr. Cengiz Uzun also addressed the precautions that can be taken against tick bites, recommending wearing closed clothing as much as possible in green areas and stating that the entire body should be checked upon returning home. He noted that ticks particularly attach to the legs, arms, groin area, and armpits, and mentioned that tick repellent lotions are not very effective.
"THERE IS NO VACCINE OR TREATMENT FOR CCHF"
Dr. Cengiz Uzun pointed out that Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever is more risky for those with chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and for children. He concluded his remarks by stating, "Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for CCHF; only supportive treatment is applied. There are decreases in the cells and proteins that ensure clotting in the body. We need to replace that with supportive treatment. Currently, there is no viral medication available. There are medications that are being tested and debated whether to use or not."
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