Tick proliferation threatens children's health in Sud-Kivu during holidays

Children in the Miti grouping of Kabare territory, Sud-Kivu, face significant health risks from tick bites during the current school holidays. These parasitic arachnids can cause serious health issues, including abscesses, tetanus, and hemorrhagic fevers within the community.

Veterinarian and researcher Arhusima Bahogwere Tharcisse advises parents to immediately sanitize livestock areas and clear tall grass around homes. He stresses the importance of constant vigilance over children, especially after they play in grassy or wooded areas. Tharcisse also provided guidance on correctly removing ticks, warning against crushing them or leaving mouthparts embedded in the skin, and recommended prompt medical attention for any fever, severe irritation, swelling, or malaise following a bite.

To address this zoonotic disease threat, Dr. Bahogwere advocates for the treatment and monitoring of domestic animals with veterinary support. He also called for a collaborative effort between health services, veterinary authorities, schools, and local officials.

This coordinated strategy aims to effectively raise public awareness and reduce the presence of ticks in the region, thereby mitigating the public health problem.