Priority directions for non-specific prevention of tick-borne infections

Objective. An important role in the prevention of diseases, the causative agents of which are transmitted by ixodic ticks (tick-borne encephalitis, ixodic tick-borne borreliosis, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, human monocytic erlichiosis) is assigned to non-specific measures. To prevent infection by all pathogens of these infections at the same time, nonspecific preventive measures are of paramount importance. They include the extermination of hungry ticks on the vegetation of relatively small areas of natural biotopes, forest parks, health institutions, recreational areas, summer cottages or gardens; individual protection of the population from ticks and awareness-raising work.

Materials and methods. The data of official statistics and materials of long-term observation of epidemic process were analyzed.

Results. Despite the fact that since 2016 according to official data, there is observed a phase of decreased activity of the epidemic process of tick-borne infections, statistical analysis shows that in the forthcoming years an activation of epidemic situation is expected.

Conclusions. In order to prevent tick attacks, specialists of medical organizations, departments of Rospotrebnadzor of the Russian Federation should intensify sanitary and educational work on non-specific protection of the population. In addition to standard activities, it is important to organize schools, courses for the public, schoolchildren, tourists and other population groups for the prevention of tick-borne infections, including the development of skills for correct tick removal using the “Tick Removal Trainer” and an algorithm for emergency measures in specific situation.