Article in the sun today

[ukgooner]

[berni23]

[ukgooner]

[Bournemouth]

Bernie i read in the Sun yeterday that in certain parts of Germany there is some sort of, ''Blood sucking Tik'', that lives beneath blades of grass, apparently you need to get a jab before you travel out.

Could you shed some light on that for us all Bern?

Bournemouth :twisted:

[berni23]

I had one of those "Zecken" during my army time and they are harmless, but science suggests you get a shot to be 100% sure.

[mrs_alan_smith]

are you serious?? i have to get a shot to stop something sucking on my skin?!

[berni23]

Yes, and you propably should get a repellant for moskitos, too.

[toddy]

just read that in the sun and i think my gp will be getting the nod b4 i go. for those who are interested the website is www.masta.org/tickalert

[Winnie]

You bunch of girls. It's hardly Mongolia.

[mrs_alan_smith]

oh my god,this is what it says,be afraid be very afraid..... :shock:

What is TBE?
TBE is a potentially life-threatening and debilitating viral disease of the central nervous system. Infected people could develop serious meningitis or brain inflammation.

The tick lies in wait on the underside of grasses and bushes waiting for a suitable mammal to brush against it. It grabs hold with barbs in its forelegs and looks for an area of thin, soft skin to insert the proboscis or feeding organ – contact time takes just one tenth of a second.

The victim does not feel the bite because the tick injects a toxin that anaesthetises the skin in the area. Shortly after the TBE virus enters blood circulation and spreads throughout the body.

TBE incubation is 8 to 14 days after which the onset of symptoms is generally sudden and may consist of fever, severe headache, nausea and photophobia (intolerance of light). Some individuals go on to develop meningitis.