11. Remove the Tick Correctly
Using fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure — do not twist or jerk. Never crush, burn, or apply petroleum jelly to the tick. These methods can increase the risk of infectious fluids entering the body.
22. Disinfect the Bite Area
After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area with iodine, rubbing alcohol, or an appropriate antiseptic. Wash your hands with soap and water. Avoid scratching the bite area; do not create an open wound.
33. Keep the Tick — Do Not Discard It
Do not discard the removed tick immediately. Place it in a small, tightly sealed jar or plastic bag, and note the date and time. Bring it to a healthcare facility in case laboratory analysis is needed. This can greatly assist the doctor in making a correct diagnosis.
44. Monitor Symptoms and Go to Hospital Immediately
Monitor your body closely for 14 days after a tick bite. If you develop high fever (38°C/100.4°F or above), severe headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, or bleeding spots on the skin, go to the nearest emergency room without delay. These may be early signs of CCHF, and early treatment is critically important.
55. Where to Go in Elazig?
In Elazig, in case of a tick bite or suspected CCHF, you should apply to the Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Clinic at Elazig Fethi Sekin City Hospital. In emergencies, call 112. If the bite occurred in a rural area or if you found multiple ticks, do not delay — seek medical care even if you feel well.
Uzman Tavsiyeleri
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and boots when visiting rural, forested, or grassy areas
- Tuck your pants into your socks to prevent ticks from reaching exposed skin
- Apply DEET-containing tick repellent sprays to your clothing
- After any day outdoors, thoroughly check your entire body for ticks
- Avoid direct contact with a tick using bare hands — use gloves
- Visit a healthcare facility within 14 days of a bite even if no symptoms appear
- Elazig Fethi Sekin City Hospital Emergency: 0424 241 22 23 — Call if in doubt