Statistics are even alarming. While in 2019 265 cases of tick -borne encephalitis were recorded, in 2024 this number increased rapidly to 793 cases. Particularly disturbing is the fact that over 90% of people who have experienced puncture by these dangerous arachnids are admitted to “catching” their own place of residence. Therefore, these are no longer related to hiking in forests or collecting mushrooms. It is these routine, seemingly innocent activities that create opportunities for ticks to attack and transfer dangerous infections. This requires a change in thinking about this disease, ” says prof. dr hab. n. med. Joanna Zajkowska from the Medical University of Bialystokwhich directed research on KZM epidemiology. “The vast majority of our patients declared that contact with the tick occurred in the place of residence, not during recreational activity in the forest or mountains.”
The latest research indicates that pets owners, especially dog owners, are a particularly vulnerable group. Living in rural areas, having a dog as a pet, frequent walks and conducting garden works at least four times a week significantly increase the chance of contact with a tick and potential infection.
Dogs and cats, especially outgoing, often become natural “guides” of ticks, bringing them directly to our homes. Dr. Anna Wierzbickaa biologist from the University of Life Sciences in Poznań, pays attention to one more disturbing trend – ticks are already active virtually all year round, while a few years ago their activity was seasonal. “Currently, ticks are active throughout the year. In all months we find them on clothes and animals. It used to be that individual development stages appeared at different times of the year. They are currently exchanging all the time.”
The virus transfer mechanism is terrifyingly simple and fast. Just one prick is enough, and the pathogen in the salivary glands of the tick quickly gets into the human body. What’s more, even a quick removal of arachnid does not guarantee safety. Professor Zajkowska emphasizes that the virus immediately begins multiplying in the body. “Even if we manage this araper from the skin quickly, the prick itself can lead to infection,” warns prof. Zajkowska. “If the body does not cope, the viremia develops. The first stage of the disease usually lasts a week, sometimes it stretches up to 28 days. Symptoms develop: muscles, joints, the patient has flu -like symptoms. If the body manages, this disease will end.
The course of the disease is two -stage. The first stage resembles flu symptoms – muscle pain, weakness, increased temperature. However, the second stage is a real threat. In the most severe cases, a brain trunk, loss of breathing capacity, and even permanent neurological complications requiring long -term rehabilitation may occur. “The most dangerous scenario is the one in which the brain trunk is involved in the loss of the ability to breathe independently,” describes prof. Zajkowska. “Fortunately, some patients regain the ability to breathe independently.” This disturbing trend can be seen among infectious departments patients. There are more and more cases of people with serious consequences of the disease, such as palsy, meningitis or even respiratory disorders that require long -term rehabilitation – says prof. Zajkowska.
There is no medicine on KZM, but there is effective prevention. Experts agree – vaccinations are the surest path of protection against tick -borne encephalitis. The Chief Sanitary Inspector and scientific societies continue to increase awareness and take appropriate precautions. In addition to vaccinations, it is recommended to use tick deterrent, wearing the right outfit during walks in the field and regularly checking the body when returned.
Now you will also be vaccinated at the pharmacy. From February 14, 2025, the KZM vaccination process was significantly simplified. Patients can get vaccinated directly at the pharmacy, and the full vaccination cycle includes three doses that provide comprehensive protection. The first two can be done at a time of two weeks, and the third – even after five months. It is worth remembering that two doses already provide 90 % vaccine effectiveness, which in the following months is recorded by a third dose.
Vaccinations are available to people of all ages – both children from the age of one and adults. After the age of 65, it is recommended to return to a three -year vaccination reminder cycle.
