Hyaloma ticks, also known as giant ticks, have appeared in Sweden, among other places. Photo: SFA
More and more new tick species are being discovered in Sweden.
The Norwegian Veterinary Institute (SVA) is involved in an international project that involves enlisting help from the public to find new species.
In 2023, five migratory bird ticks were found, among others, thanks to observations of individuals.
What makes these ticks even more interesting is that they can carry serious diseases such as Crimean-Congo virus, hemorrhagic fever virus, and different types of spotted fever virus.
A dengue vaccine project was started six years ago by the Public Health Agency, Karolinska Institutet and SVA.
– We know that the virus is on its way to Western and Northern Europe and we will get sick sooner or later. Then we have to remember that it takes several years to develop a vaccine, so it's good to start long before you have any problems, says Ali Mirazimi, a professor of virology at Karolinska Institutet who is leading the vaccine project at SVA. SVT News.
In addition to Sigtuna, migratory bird ticks have also been found on Jutland.
The name comes from the fact that ticks come with migratory birds from countries in Asia, Africa and southern Europe.
Symptoms of hemorrhagic fever
- Crimean Congo virus is spread by tick bites and can cause hemorrhagic fever (hemorrhagic fever) which has a high mortality rate.
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Humans are primarily infected by the bite of a migratory bird tick, and symptoms appear after 1 to 13 days.
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People infect each other through bodily fluids mainly in the healthcare setting, but it can also be transmitted between family members.
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The infected person develops a sudden fever, muscle pain, headache, abdominal pain, joint pain, and vomiting. Then there is brain damage and bleeding from the skin and body orifices.
- No case has been diagnosed so far in Sweden.
Source: Public Health Agency
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