Ticks and hiking: an "almost" invisible risk

Ticks are arthropods belonging to the class of arachnids, the same as spiders and scorpions. They are hematophagous parasites, meaning they feed on blood taken from mammals, birds, and occasionally reptiles.

Their ability to attach to their hosts' skin and suck blood makes them vectors of numerous infectious diseases. Ticks go through four stages of development: egg, larva, nymph, and adult, and can transmit pathogens at different stages of their life.

Ticks are present in various parts of the world, but they are particularly common in wooded areas and meadows, typical environments of mountainous regions. They are mainly found in areas with dense vegetation such as bushes, scrublands, and tall grass.

Moreover, they prefer humid and shaded environments where they can survive longer. In mountainous regions, ticks tend to concentrate along trails and in areas frequented by wild animals, which are their natural hosts.

Tick bites can cause a range of health problems, some of which can be serious. Among the diseases transmitted by ticks, the most common include:

• Lyme borreliosis: caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, can cause symptoms such as erythema migrans, fever, headache, fatigue, and, in severe cases, joint and neurological problems.
• TBE (Tick-Borne Encephalitis): a viral disease that can cause inflammation of the brain and meninges, with symptoms ranging from fever and headache to severe neurological problems.
• Rickettsiosis: a group of infections caused by bacteria of the genus Rickettsia, which can cause high fever, skin rashes, and, in some cases, severe complications.

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In addition to these, there are other less common but still dangerous diseases, which make tick bites a risk not to be underestimated.

Fortunately, there are effective preventive strategies against some of the diseases transmitted by ticks. Specifically, a safe and effective vaccine is available for TBE. Vaccination is recommended for people living in endemic areas or who frequently travel to high-risk zones.
The vaccination schedule typically involves three doses to ensure long-lasting protection, with possible booster shots afterward.

Preventing tick bites is essential to reduce the risk of infections. Here are some practical tips to protect yourself during mountain excursions:

• Appropriate clothing: wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants, tucking the pants into socks to prevent ticks from reaching the skin. Prefer light-colored clothing to easily spot ticks.
• Repellents: use repellents containing DEET or permethrin on skin and clothing. Permethrin can be applied to clothes and provides long-lasting protection. I recommend using DEET-based repellents with a concentration of 20%.
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• Regular inspection: inspect the skin frequently, especially in moist, warm areas of the body such as the groin, armpits and behind the ears. Immediately remove any ticks with fine-tipped tweezers, grasping them as close to the skin as possible and pulling gently.
• Post-hike shower: take a shower within two hours of returning to remove any ticks that are not yet firmly attached.

Awareness and prevention are the best weapons against ticks and the diseases they can transmit.