Tick (Ixodes ricinus) currently inhabits an area which is bounded on the west by Portugal, on the east by Russia, north Africa to the south and the north of Scandinavia. Tick-borne encephalitis virus itself worldwide occurs in the zone extending middle part of Europe to the East Asian coastal areas. When compared to data from previous years is noticeable expansion of risky sites. Original isolated endemic areas the incidence of tick-borne encephalitis combine to create large areas. The extension plays an important role elevation. While in Scandinavia ticks occur only at low altitudes near the sea in the south of the territory can occur at altitudes up to 1500-2000 m
We wish them the climate
The Czech Republic is among the regions with the highest incidence of tick-borne encephalitis, western, central and southern Bohemia, but also around Brno, Znojmo, Opava and Bruntál. However, the risk of contagion threatens virtually the entire territory of our republic. In the past the occurrence of ticks denounced to 700 m Recently, similarly as elsewhere in Europe, however, leads to their spreading not only to a larger spatial area but also to a higher altitude. Ticks so we can bump even at heights 1100-1200 m above sea Mountain locations are yet used for recreational stays, which usually take place during increased tick activity - their main season lasts from April until November.
In recent years there has been a marked increase in the incidence of tick-borne encephalitis. The Czech Republic thus ranks in the number of cases in second place right behind Russia. The reason may be because in addition to moving ticks higher altitudes also climate change. Increase in the average annual temperature and humidity leads to accelerate the development of ticks, increasing their activity and extension of tick season.
Mountains Under Siege
Jan Materna of Administration Giant Mountains National Park focused on the vertical extension of the tick in the mountains.
Ongoing research in 2002-2008 clarified the upper limit of the simultaneous occurrence of the parasite - which is around 1100-1150 m
The results also show that ticks allowed to penetrate into the higher altitudes statistically significant increase in temperatures during the period from May to August.
Tick so it can not hide even in the mountains. Small parasite while not only causes unpleasant bite, but also transmits a dangerous disease. In our country it is all about Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis. Against tick-borne encephalitis is yet possible to protect an effective and safe vaccine that is suitable for both children and adults. So if going hiking, be sure to get vaccinated. Only in this way you can only bring holiday wonderful experiences and avoid unwanted souvenir in the form of serious viral diseases.
Source: Tick-borne encefalitida.cz