Finland's Disease-Vector Ticks Move 185 Miles North In Less Than Ten Years - Now In Arctic
Cases of tick-borne encephalitis were recorded in Espoo and elsewhere last year, with risk areas climbing as far north as Finland’s Arctic Lapland region. City-dwellers with dogs should also consider getting the vaccine, says doctor Janne Castrén.
Coastlines and islands are favorites for vacationing Finns, but also for potentially dangerous disease-bearing ticks. The tiny menace is traditionally considered a southern problem, but with the gradual warming of the climate, ticks have traveled north, says doctor Janne Castrén.
Disease-carrying tick species have moved more than 185 miles north in less than 10 years. The northernmost risk municipality is Simo, in southern Lapland. All infection cases were found in the south of the country, however, with the areas of Hankoniemi, Lohja and Tampere also showing heightened risk levels.
“Last year’s statistics show new risk areas, with Espoo at the top of the list,” Castrén says. The infection data comes with a delay, so alertness is key. The only way to protect oneself from tick-borne encephalitis is with a vaccine. Lyme disease, another malady in the arachnid’s repertoire, can be treated with antibiotics.
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http://www.adn.com/article/20140708/ticks-appearing-finland-s-arctic
