Tick Season Arrives in Turkey: Expert Shares Precautions for Travelers

ISTANBUL, April 13 – As temperatures rise, so does the risk from ticks in Turkey. Professor Adem Keskin, head of the biology department at Gaziosmanpasa University in Tokat, confirms the season is now underway, with the northeast and Black Sea coast presenting the highest concentrations.

While the scientist noted that Turkey has seen a yearly decline in infections and a fatality rate now under 3% for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), he urged vigilance. This particular disease, first identified in Crimea in 1944, is severe, causing fever, intense illness, and hemorrhaging. The World Health Organization reports a global fatality rate of approximately 40%.

"Ticks that carry illnesses like CCHF and Lyme disease are found worldwide," Keskin stated. His direct advice for visitors and residents is practical: wear long sleeves and pants during outdoor excursions and conduct thorough body checks afterward. The incubation period for CCHF ranges from two to seven days, making post-exposure checks critical.

The message is clear rather than alarmist. With simple, proactive measures, travelers can confidently enjoy Turkey's renowned natural landscapes while significantly mitigating this seasonal health concern.