In Almaty, 212 people sought medical help for tick bites, marking a decrease in cases compared to the previous year. The Department of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control of the city reported that as of April 22, 2024, the number of tick-related medical visits had decreased by 19.3% compared to the same period in 2023, when 263 cases were recorded.
The head of the Department, Kasymkhan Alpysbayuly, highlighted that 59.4% of the cases involved children under 14 years old, totaling 126 children. All individuals received timely emergency medical care, including the administration of anti-tick immunoglobulin. Fortunately, no cases of tick-borne infections have been registered so far this year.
Efforts to prevent tick-borne diseases continue in the city, with treatments being conducted in forested areas and popular recreational spots like parks and squares. By April 22 of this year, approximately 62.4% of the total area had been treated, including 53.4% of forested areas out of the overall 1904.924 hectares. Treatment in urban parks and squares across all districts of the city has been completed.
In terms of tick-borne encephalitis prevention, it is crucial to seek medical assistance promptly if a tick is found attached, ideally within the first four days. Qualified medical care and tick encephalitis immunoglobulin can be administered in medical facilities.
Emergency assistance for tick bite victims in Almaty is available at various trauma centers within medical institutions in the city, including the Central City Clinical Hospital, Emergency Hospital, City Clinical Hospital No. 4, City Clinical Hospital No. 7, and the Center for Pediatric Emergency Medical Care.
Healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of following safety measures, seeking prompt medical help in case of tick bites, and timely prevention and treatment to prevent diseases. Earlier warnings were issued to residents of Almaty regarding tick treatments starting from April 1 in the city.
