Borreliosis in the inhabitants of Bielsko-Biała and the surrounding area in the period 2008-2017

Abstract

Introduction: Lyme disease is a multiorgan tick-borne disease which endemically occurs primarily in countries in the Northern Hemisphere. It is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, and the vector of infection are ticks from the Ixodes family. In recent years it has been noted that there is an increase in the number of Lyme disease cases in the world. Due to the varied clinical picture of disease and the possibility of complications, Lyme disease should be diagnosed early and properly treated. The objective of the research was an analysis of the occurrence of Lyme disease among inhabitants of “bielski” district and the city of Bielsko-Biala in years 2008-2017. Methods: The analysis of the occurrence of Lyme disease was based on data collected from the Sanitary Epidemiological Station in Bielsko-Biala. Results: In the analysed period there were 1450 cases of Lyme disease diagnosed, mostly among people living in the city which has a population of more than 10000 inhabitants. The disease most frequently afflicted women 51 to 60 and 61 to 70 years of age. Tick bites occurred most frequently during summer months. The most common symptom of infection was malaise, fever and erythema at the site of the tick bite. Conclusions: In the analysed period covering the years 2008-2017, the number of cases of Lyme disease among people living in Bielsko-Biala and the surrounding area remains on the similar level with a noticeable significant increase in 2009 and a decrease in 2014-2015. Women were suffering from Lyme disease more often than men. Lyme disease affected people of all ages. However, the group at risk consisted of people in their fifties and sixties. Tick bites, which resulted in bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi infection, occurred between July and November with the intensity in the summer months.