Early and correct intervention in tick bites prevents the disease

Sivas Cumhuriyet University Health Services Application and Research Hospital Chief Physician Prof. Dr. Ömer Tamer Doğan stated that those exposed to Crimean- Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) can easily recover from the disease with early and correct intervention.

In his written statement, Doğan provided information about the ways the disease is transmitted, protection methods and treatment processes, and drew attention to the importance of early intervention.

Explaining that the disease is transmitted to humans by ticks carrying the virus , Doğan said, "This disease can be fatal if not treated correctly and on time. Although there are fluctuations in the number of cases over the years, there has been a slight increase in the first few months of this year."

Prof. Dr. Doğan underlined that the disease is transmitted by crushing ticks with bare hands and touching their fluids, and noted the following:

"In addition, it can be transmitted through contact with body fluids of people who have contracted the disease. Those involved in agriculture and animal husbandry, veterinarians, soldiers, healthcare personnel dealing with the treatment of the disease, and those who walk around rural areas without precautions and have picnics constitute the risk groups. The disease begins with symptoms such as fever, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. In later stages, skin, gum and intestinal bleeding begins. In such symptoms, it is necessary to immediately apply to health institutions. We have become a center for this disease. We have been following the disease for 23 years. There is no clear treatment for the disease, but rather supportive treatment is applied. Our patients who come on time recover with this support."

Doğan, who mentioned that Prof. Dr. Nazif Elaldı at the university is closely interested in the subject, reported that Phase-1 studies of the vaccine are currently continuing in Sweden.

Stating that Phase-2 studies will also be carried out in Sivas, Doğan gave the following information:

"We are waiting for the vaccine to come into effect after Phase-2 studies. So far, no cases have come from Sivas city center. Of course, this does not mean that they will not come, we should not let down our precautions. So far, the cases are mostly from Yozgat and Tokat . We have cases from the districts of Sivas, Hafik, Zara and Koyulhisar. We should not worry and panic about this disease. Although it is said that there is no cure for this disease, those who are exposed to ticks can easily get rid of the disease with early and correct intervention. The most effective intervention is to prevent tick infection with preventive measures."