How to protect yourself from ticks: Health Ministry issues expert guidance

The Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia has issued a set of expert recommendations to help the public protect themselves against ticks.

“With the arrival of the warmer months, tick activity and the subsequent risk of tick-borne infections rise sharply across Georgia. To prevent infection, specialists urge citizens to adhere to precautionary measures.

To protect against ticks and other insects, it is advisable to use dedicated insect repellents and treat clothing accordingly. However, the use of insect repellents is not recommended for infants under two months of age.

Experts also advise the public to avoid walking through wooded areas and dense, tall grass. After spending time outdoors, it is essential to inspect clothing and personal belongings and to take a shower immediately upon returning home. Specialists explain that this helps ensure the prompt detection of any ticks attached to the body.

If a tick is found on the skin, it should be removed as quickly as possible using fine-tipped tweezers. It is crucial to grip the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible, right where its mouthparts attach. After removing the tick, the bite area and your hands must be thoroughly washed and disinfected.

Should any changes in health occur, including a high temperature, headache, itching at the bite site, or other abnormal symptoms, citizens must promptly consult an infectious disease specialist,” the Ministry of Health’s advisory stated.