Weekly tick bites among Siberians have quadrupled
Heads Up, Novosibirsk Residents! Tick Season Is Here and It's Bitey
Look out, folks! The tick season in Novosibirsk has kicked off, and it's biting hard. Since March 16, 2025, over 900 locals - 330 of them kids - have sought medical help due to tick bites. That's quite the increase, considering there were only 225 cases a week ago.
The areas hit hardest are Iskitimsky District, Novosibirsky District, Toguchinsky District, and Moskovsky District. So if you live near these neighborhoods, keep your eyes peeled!
But don't panic, no cases of tick-borne infections have been reported yet. Now, let's dive into some tips to help you beat those bitey buggers!
Here's How to Stay Safe:
Visiting grassy or wooded areas is a tick magnet, especially from April to October. So, stay on cleared trails, avoid tall vegetation, and keep your distance from leaf litter.
Personal Protection:
Dress smart! Don long sleeves, pants (tucked into socks), and light-colored clothing. This makes it easy to spot ticks. Top it off with DEET-based repellents on exposed skin or permethrin-treated clothing for extra layer of protection.
After you're done with your outdoor activities, don't forget to inspect armpits, groin, scalp, and behind ears for any unwanted hitchhikers.
Post-Exposure Actions:
Got a tick? Don't wait! Remove it promptly using fine-tipped tweezers, grabbing it close to the skin and pulling upward steadily. Clean the bite area and hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
Keep an eye out for any symptoms like fever, rash, or allergic reactions. If they arise, seek medical care immediately.
Environmental Precautions:
While these tips focus on spider mites (agricultural pests), the same principles apply to ticks: Keep your lawn short, remove leaf debris, and maintain a clean environment.
Emergency Contacts:
In Russia, you can call 103 for medical assistance and 112 for emergencies. If you frequently visit high-risk areas, chat with your healthcare providers about tick-borne encephalitis vaccinations.
Stay safe, Novosibirsk! Enjoy the outdoors, but remember to be tick-aware!
- Tick season in Novosibirsk has commenced, with an increase in bite incidents since March 16, 2025.
- Iskitimsky District, Novosibirsky District, Toguchinsky District, and Moskovsky District are the primary areas affected by these bites.
- Visiting grassy or wooded areas heightens the risk of tick bites, especially from April to October.
- To minimize the risk, stay on cleared trails and avoid tall vegetation and leaf litter.
- Dressing in long sleeves, pants (tucked into socks), light-colored clothing, DEET-based repellents, and permethrin-treated clothing can provide additional protection.
- It's essential to check for ticks post-outdoor activities on armpits, groin, scalp, and behind ears.
- If bitten by a tick, remove it promptly using tweezers, clean the bite area, and look for symptoms like fever, rash, or allergic reactions.
- In Russia, contact 103 for medical assistance and 112 for emergencies. Discuss vaccinations for tick-borne encephalitis with healthcare providers if frequently visiting high-risk areas.
