He tick population increase encouraged by climate change may multiply cases Lyme in Spain in the next decade, according to a review of studies by the SOS Lyme Foundation.
“Epidemiological studies around the world are finding a significant increase in ticks throughout the year due to global warming. In Spain, they started to appear in the spring, but each time we detect them earlier,” warns the president of the SOS Lyme Foundation and director of the Biosalud Day Hospital, Dr. Mariano Bueno.
The result is “a geometric progression of bites that transmit diseases, among which Lyme diseasealthough in some cases symptoms do not appear until years later,” he adds.
The main symptoms of Lyme disease are erythema, migraine, headache, neck and throat pain, other muscle and joint pain, fever and chills, fatigue and loss of appetite, swollen nodes, neurological and cardiac problems, visual disturbances and liver discomfort.
In this sense, the organization corresponds to the data offered by the National Epidemiological Center of the Carlos III Health Institute. multiplying the number of hospitalizations by three in Spain for Lyme disease between 2005 and 2019.
Las bite They take place both directly, especially during outdoor activities, whether in nature or in parks, and indirectly through pets.
Due to this connection, Dr. Bueno recommends going out into the countryside with long pants and boots to avoid it if possible risk of stabbing. In the case of dog and cat owners, “be aware of any discomfort they may show when returning from the street, especially if they have been in contact with grass and bushes,” says the expert.
Another investigation conducted in the UK and published last January Parasites and vectorspointed to the importance of delivering “health messages aimed at (pet) owners and veterinarians that identify animals, seasons and areas at greatest risk of tick bites and allow for more personalized prophylaxis.”
Likewise, a study was published in Canada this month Environmental Health Perspectives It is estimated that the number of cases could quadruple by 2050, as could the associated costs.
“The Great Imitator”
The similarity of symptoms with other diseases leads to their confusion, which is why Lyme syndrome is known as “The Great Imitator”.
“Many patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, neurodegenerative disease, or autoimmune disease are suspected to be cases of Lyme disease,” explains Dr. Bueno.
Once confirmed diagnosis Lyme Clinic and blood tests selected in each case by a specialist doctor, “it is important to apply treatment as soon as possible so that the disease does not progress and destroy or weaken the immune system.”
“They use it for that different optionsfrom antibiotics and anti-infective medicinal plants to advanced procedures such as INUSpheresis, which eliminates toxins in the body using a sophisticated blood plasma filtration system, or intravenous laser photodynamic therapy, body hyperthermia or Papimi», comments Dr. Well
“The good news is that Lyme disease can be cured if caught early. But in many cases it is a long and difficult journey both for the patient and close family members, as well as for the doctors who treat them,” he concludes.
