There was no fear of ticks this summer in the Eastern Black Sea region

In the Eastern Black Sea Region, it was stated that the number of tick cases this summer remained almost the same as last year and 12 Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) patients from the region’s provinces were treated and discharged in May and June.

Prof. Dr. Gürdal Yılmaz, Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology at the Farabi Hospital of Karadeniz Technical University (KTU), mentioned that there was concern this year about whether the number of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) cases would increase, especially during the Eid al-Adha period, but said that the feared increase did not occur. Yılmaz stated, ‘We were worried about whether the number of CCHF cases would increase during the Eid al-Adha period; It did not increase much, it remained at the same level, and we expect a decrease in cases with the arrival of August. This year, the number of patients we have received is around 12, starting from May and June. It increased towards the end of May, and currently, there are no patients hospitalized in our ward.’

Yılmaz, stating ‘We treat and discharge our patients from the region at intervals,’ said, ‘So far, we have not had any patient who died in our hospital, but we hear news of deaths in different places. We had patients coming especially from Gümüşhane, Kelkit, Şiran, Artvin, Ardanuç, and sometimes from Şebinkarahisar, and all of them were discharged with recovery. Especially in these regions, when going to fields, vineyards, or gardens, they need to take protective measures. As protective measures, they should pull their socks over their pants and when they return home, they should check their whole body for ticks. The longer the tick stays on the body, the infection can develop with more severity. This year’s numbers are similar to last year’s. CCHF cases are more common in areas like Tokat and Sivas. We are seeing similar numbers as last year as well. We think that with the awareness raised through warnings, the number is not increasing.’