Expert warns: 'Ticks may seek new hosts'

With the increasing temperatures in the summer months, there is a serious increase in tick cases throughout Türkiye. Bolu Veterinary Chamber President Mehmet Ok issued warnings about tick bites.

7 THOUSAND CASES, 15 LIVES SO FAR IN 2025

Ok said that ticks carrying Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) were first seen in Türkiye in 2002, and that the number of cases had reached 7 thousand and 15 people had lost their lives as of 2025. He said that the total number of cases from past to present had reached 17 thousand and the number of deaths had reached 820.

NOT ALL TICKS ARE DANGEROUS, BUT THEY NEED ATTENTION

Noting that not all ticks are carriers of CCHF, Ok emphasized that there are approximately 35 species in Türkiye, but the real danger comes from the species called “hyalomma marginatum.” He stated that these ticks can remain on the body for 15 days without being noticed.

COLLECTING STREET ANIMALS MAY TRANSFER TICKS TO OTHER LIVING ANIMALS

Mehmet Ok, who stated that ticks are creatures that live by sucking blood and reproduce very quickly, said that gathering stray animals can cause ticks to seek new hosts. For this reason, he drew attention to the importance of regular parasite control.

SIMPLE BUT EFFECTIVE MEASURES TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM TICKS

Ok called on citizens to wear light-colored, long clothes in open and forested areas, and suggested that they check their bodies upon return and contact a health institution if they detect a tick.