Demographic and Epidemiologic Features of Tick Bite Cases Who Have Applied to Emergency Service in an Endemic Region

Aim: In this study, demographic and epidemiologic features of patients seen in emergencydepartment due to tick bites that can cause Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever were discussedwith literature data.Material and Methods: Patients seen in Yozgat State Hospital Emergency Department due totick bites between 03.01.2007 and 09.31.2007 have been included. These cases have beeninvestigated according to age, gender, job, biting part of body by the tick, settlement of patientand month in which patient came to hospital, and RNA positivity in polymerase chain reaction(PCR) or IgM antibody with ELISA were investigated. Results: 641 patients who came to emergency department due to tick bite have been includedin this study. Mean age of the cases was 41.3 ±18.3. Lower extremity bites (25.3%) were themost common type when patients investigated according to site that is bitten by the tick. 44.3%of tick bite cases were young-adults and tick bites were most commonly being seen in monthsMay, June and July. 52.1% of patients were farmer. RNA positivity in PCR and IgM antibodypositivity with ELISA were 29 cases and two cases, respectively.Conclusion: Patients who come to hospital due to tick bite should be examined carefully.Patients without any symptoms should be informed about Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Feverand followed until the end of incubation period.