Latvia has one of the highest rates of tick-borne encephalitis in Europe. Ticks become active as soon as the temperature rises above five degrees, which means as early as March or April, and you can find them until late autumn. They do not only live in forests. You can also pick up a tick in a city park, in a garden or in the field behind your house.
Which diseases ticks carry
Two are common in Latvia: tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease. Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral infection that can affect the brain and cause long-term problems. Lyme disease is caused by bacteria and is treated with antibiotics. There is a vaccine against tick-borne encephalitis but not against Lyme disease, so even if you are vaccinated, you need to keep an eye on how you feel after a bite.
Vaccination is the best protection
Full protection comes from a course of three doses. The second dose is usually given one to three months after the first, and the third five to twelve months later. After that you need boosters, first after three years and then every three to five years, depending on your age and the vaccine. The physician assistant will tell you the exact schedule when you come in for your jab.
You can get vaccinated at any time of year. It is easiest to start in winter or early spring, so that you have at least two doses by summer. If you have missed that window, there is also a fast-track schedule that gives you protection within a few weeks.
Everyday precautions
- When you are outdoors, wear light-coloured clothes with long sleeves and tuck your trousers into your socks. Ticks are easier to spot on light fabric.
- Use a repellent made specifically for ticks and follow the instructions.
- After a walk, check yourself, your children and your pets. Ticks most often attach in the armpits, the groin, behind the ears and along the hairline.
- In the forest, stay away from long grass and the edges of bushes.
How to remove a tick properly
The sooner a tick is removed, the lower the chance it will pass on an infection. Use tweezers or a special tick remover. Grip the tick as close to the skin as you can and pull it out with a steady motion, without squeezing it. Do not put oil, alcohol or anything else on the tick, as this only raises the risk of infection. Afterwards, clean the bite with a disinfectant and wash your hands.
If you cannot get the tick out, or part of it stays in the skin, come to us. Tick removal and cleaning the bite costs €10.
When to see a doctor
For a month after the bite, watch for these signs:
- a red patch around the bite that slowly gets bigger, sometimes with a paler centre;
- a raised temperature, headache, tiredness or aching muscles;
- nausea, a stiff neck or other unusual symptoms.
If you have any of these, see a doctor straight away. Both diseases are easier to treat when they are caught early.
We vaccinate adults and children from one year of age against tick-borne encephalitis. The jab costs €40 for adults and €38 for children, with the vaccine included in the price. You will find more information on the vaccination page.
