Increasing Tick Cases Raise Alarm: Elderly and Children in Danger!

With the arrival of the summer months, there is a significant increase in tick bite cases throughout Turkey. Experts point out that the risk is higher than ever, especially for children, the elderly and individuals living in rural areas. Two expert academics from Istanbul Gelisim University gave important information and warnings about the increasing cases.

Tick Bite May Not Show Symptoms, Careful Control Required

Istanbul Gelisim University Faculty of Dentistry Deputy Dean and Microbiology Specialist Asst. Prof. Hasan Değirmenci, stating that tick bites mostly occur painlessly and unnoticed, and added, "Ticks often do not show symptoms because they secrete anesthetically effective saliva while biting. A few millimeters of reddish swelling may occur in the bitten area. Ticks usually prefer areas where the skin is thin and moist, such as underarms, groins, behind the knees and behind the ears.”

Emphasizing that ticks can carry the Borrelia bacterium that causes Lyme disease, Değirmenci said, “In 3 to 30 days, red rings in the shape of bull's eye may form in the bite area. In more severe cases, fatal diseases such as Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) can be encountered. Fever, weakness, muscle and joint pain are the first symptoms of these diseases.''

“The Tick Should Never Be Removed By Yourself”

Stating that ticks adhering to the body should not be removed by individual intervention, Asst. Prof. Değirmenci said, "Incorrect removal attempts can crush the tick and cause the microorganisms it carries to pass into the body. In this case, you should definitely apply to the nearest health institution." Stating that it is necessary to intervene with forceps or gloves to prevent contact with the skin, Değirmenci stated that it is important in terms of diagnosis to take the ticks to the health institution by hiding them in a closed container.

7,801 Cases, 13 Deaths in 2025: The Danger Grows

Istanbul Gelisim University Faculty of Health Sciences Head of Perfusion Department and Veterinary Anatomist Asst. Prof. Mehmet Kartal stated that Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) disease has become endemic especially in provinces such as Tokat, Sivas, Giresun, Amasya and Çorum, and Hyalomma marginatum ticks carrying the disease have become widespread in many regions of Turkey. Kartal also stated that there are approximately 900 tick species worldwide, and 56 tick species have been identified so far in Turkey.

According to the data of the Ministry of Health, CCHF disease was first detected in Turkey in 2002 and a total of 17,132 cases were recorded between 2002-2024, 819 of these cases resulted in death. In the January-June period of 2025, 7,801 new cases have been reported, 13of which have resulted in death so far. Asst. Prof. Kartal said: "These data reveal the risk of zoonotic diseases in terms of both individual and social health. In addition, this situation directly affects agricultural production processes and rural life."

Scientific and Individual Measures Can Save Lives

Both experts pointed out that both individual and environmental measures are vital in the fight against ticks. "Regular acaricide applications should be applied to pets, pastures should be plowed, weeds should be cleaned, and random spraying should be avoided."
Among the individual protection measures, it is recommended to prefer light-colored long clothes, to put the trouser legs into socks and to use sprays containing DEET, ikaridin or permethrin. In addition, natural repellents such as lemon oil and eucalyptus are among the alternative methods.

Children and the Elderly at Greater Risk

The tick bite, which is a danger for all age groups, can cause major health problems, especially for children who spend a lot of time in green areas and the elderly with weaker immune systems. Diseases such as Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever can progress faster in the body of people in this age group.
Emphasizing that people who spend time in rural and forest areas as well as children and the elderly should take precautions to protect themselves from tick bites and especially during walks in rural and forest areas, Asst. Prof. Hasan Değirmenci also mentioned other measures that can be taken: “When you return from the open area, you need to check your body and clothes. It should not be forgotten that ticks are usually attached to areas such as behind the ear, hair roots, neck, armpit, belly circumference, groin, back of the knee, and these areas should be especially checked."

Social Awareness Required

Istanbul Gelisim University experts emphasize that not only individual measures but also awareness-raising activities should be increased in the face of increasing tick cases. It is stated that serious health problems can be prevented by acting with the right information, early intervention and preventive practices.