Every Year Again: TICK ALERT!

With the arrival of summer, a common concern for everyone spending time outdoors is back in the spotlight: ticks. Grasslands, forested areas, highlands, and rural regions are among the areas considered high-risk for ticks. Just as in Europe, tick bites are common in Turkey and can lead to the transmission of some serious diseases. While Ixodes ricinus is one of the most common tick species in Turkey, different species are also found, particularly in the Central Anatolia and Black Sea regions. Most importantly, these ticks can carry diseases.

Major diseases transmitted by ticks in Turkey

1. Lyme disease (Borreliosis)

This is a disease that can be seen in Turkey as well as in Europe. It is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi.

How is it transmitted?

After a tick bite, it usually takes several hours for the bacteria to be transmitted. Therefore, it is crucial to detect and remove the tick early.

Symptoms

• A red, expanding rash at the bite site (may resemble a bullseye)
• Fever, fatigue
• In later stages:
  • Joint pain
  • Nervous system involvement (facial paralysis, etc.)
  • Heart rhythm abnormalities

Treatment: In the early stages, it can be treated quite successfully with antibiotics (usually doxycycline).

2. Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF)

This is the most significant and dangerous tick-borne disease in Turkey. It is caused by the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus.

Situation in Turkey

It is more commonly seen in provinces such as Tokat, Sivas, Çorum, and Erzurum.

How is it transmitted?

• Tick bite
• Contact with the blood of infected animals

Symptoms

• Sudden onset of fever
• Muscle and headache
• Fatigue
• In advanced cases:
  • Bleeding (nose, gums, internal organs)
  • Organ failure

Risk

The mortality rate can range from 5% to 30%, making it a very serious condition.

Treatment: There is no specific antiviral treatment; supportive care is provided in the hospital.

3. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)

Although not as widespread as in Europe, rare cases have been reported in Turkey. The causative agent is a virus called the Tick-borne encephalitis virus.

Symptoms

• Flu-like onset
• Followed by:
  • Inflammation of the brain and meninges
  • Headache, stiff neck
  • Neurological complications

Note: There is no routine vaccination program in Turkey, but the vaccine is available in some regions of Europe.

What should be done in case of a tick bite?

• Remove the tick as soon as possible
• Grasp it as close to the skin as possible with fine-tipped tweezers
• Pull straight out slowly (do not twist!)
• Do not use alcohol, cologne, oil, etc.
• Monitor the bite site for a few weeks

If you notice any of the following symptoms, see a doctor:

• Spreading redness
• Fever
• Fatigue, headache
• Signs of bruising or bleeding

Prevention methods

• In tall grassy areas:
  • Wear light-colored clothing
  • Tuck pant legs into socks
• Use tick repellent sprays
• After returning from nature:
  • Check your entire body
  • Especially the back of the knees, underarms, neck, and groin area

Risk distribution in Turkey

In Turkey, risk is also distributed in regional clusters;

High risk (core region)

Especially regarding CCHF (Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever) :

• Sivas
• Tokat
• Yozgat
• Çorum
• Amasya

This region is generally referred to as the Kelkit Valley and its surroundings

Moderate-high risk

• Kayseri
• Erzincan
• Erzurum
• Gümüşhane
• Kastamonu
• Karabük
• Zonguldak (inland areas)

Lower but still present risk

Ticks are present in the rest of Turkey as well, but the deadly disease (CCHF) is less common

. Although there is no widespread official “tick app” in Turkey, you can track your health history through the e-Nabız app for general health information. Tick risk in Turkey is a serious concern, especially during the summer months. While most tick bites are harmless, in rare cases they can lead to life-threatening diseases.


You don’t have to give up spending time in nature—but a little caution is required.