Over the course of the current epidemic season, 21 cases of encephalitis have been confirmed.
In the expansive Siberian region of Tomsk Oblast, tick-borne diseases such as tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and Lyme borreliosis remain endemic, with outbreaks peaking during late spring and summer. However, as we approach mid-2025, specific data on current outbreak areas and updated prevention measures for this region remain elusive.
Despite the lack of recent, region-specific data, it's crucial for both residents and travellers to adhere to standard preventive measures when venturing into forested or grassy areas. These precautions include wearing long-sleeved clothing and long pants, using insect repellents containing DEET or permethrin, performing thorough tick checks after outdoor exposure, promptly removing attached ticks, avoiding direct contact with the ground in tick habitats, and considering vaccination against TBE (where available).
Unfortunately, the absence of updated information doesn't diminish the threat posed by these diseases. Recent reports indicate a concerning number of diagnoses: 45 cases of borreliosis, including 9 minors, and 21 cases of TBE, including 6 children, have been documented since the start of the season.
The districts of Tomsk and Tomsk District have seen the highest number of tick bite cases (65 and 15 respectively), with the villages of Korniovo, Zorkalcevo, Timiryazevo, and the settlement of Anikino in Tomsk District emerging as especially dangerous zones.
Medical facilities such as the inter-university polyclinic on Kyiv Street, MSCH No.2 on B. Kuna Street, and Children's Hospital No.1 on Moscow Highway are designated points of contact should a tick be found.
Doctors in the region are urging the importance of vaccination against tick-borne diseases, with a total of 55,094 people, including 18,180 children, having been vaccinated against TBE in the current season. Additionally, over 2,643 hectares, including 400 hectares of children's recreational areas, have been treated in the region to control the tick population.
Last week saw two laboratory-confirmed cases of Lyme disease, and the territory of the 'Okolitsa' park in Zorkalcevo has been treated for ticks. Over the week of August 7-13, 114 people, including 23 children, sought medical help due to tick bites.
While specific outbreak data for 2025 in Tomsk Oblast may still be unavailable, it's essential to remain vigilant and follow preventive measures. If updated outbreak maps or official regional health reports become available, they would provide detailed information on outbreak zones and targeted recommendations, offering a clearer picture of the situation. Until then, let's continue to prioritise our health and safety in the great outdoors.
- The incidence of neurological disorders, such as tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme borreliosis, in the Tomsk Oblast region continues to be a concern, with health-and-wellness authorities emphasizing the need for fitness-and-exercise enthusiasts and travelers to take preventive measures when venturing into wooded or grassy areas.
- It's alarming to note that children, too, are not immune to these tick-borne medical-conditions, with 45 cases of borreliosis and 21 cases of TBE documented so far this season, primarily in the districts of Tomsk and Tomsk District, including specifically dangerous zones like Korniovo, Zorkalcevo, Timiryazevo, and the settlement of Anikino.
- To combat these tick-borne diseases, the region has implemented preventive measures like vaccination programs (with over 55,094 people, including 18,180 children, vaccinated against TBE this season),tick control treatments on over 2,643 hectares of land, and designating medical facilities like the inter-university polyclinic, MSCH No.2, and Children's Hospital No.1 as points of contact for tick-related issues.
