Risk of transmission from ticks and insects is on the rise

It is well known that ticks and mosquitoes can transmit the pathogens that cause Lyme disease and malaria - but these common bloodsuckers can spread many more diseases. The pathogens are passed on through the insects’ suckers and saliva.

"If the host blood holds pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria or parasites, the insects ingest them while sucking, multiply them many times, and transmit them to the next host," explains parasitologist Prof. Dr. Heinz Mehlhorn. "This happens because the saliva that is released during the sucking process to keep the host blood from coagulating contains many pathogens." This is how the viruses of early summer meningoencephalitis (FSME)*, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, and tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE) are transmitted, among others, or the pathogens of spotted fever or malaria. 

The impact of climate change on the insect population

Potentially dangerous insects are found in ever more areas around the world. Professor Dr. Heinz Mehlhorn explains: "We are currently experiencing a phase of global warming. As a result, the tick population is spreading out, either in its current locations or into other continents as a result of increased global travel and goods traffic by humans and animals." 
A study by the German Federal Environmental Agency confirms this.

Reliable protection against ticks and other insects

“In their search for food, ticks and other insects are attracted by their hosts’ movements and, above all, by their exhalations," explains Heinz Mehlhorn. Therefore, to protect yourself from bites and stings, you should apply or spray repellents containing Saltidin^® to your skin and clothing*. The repellants suppress body odors and make us invisible to mosquitoes and ticks. "To protect against mosquito bites, repellents must be applied to all exposed areas of the skin," emphasizes Heinz Mehlhorn.

Are there any vaccines that might protect me?

There are vaccinations to prevent some of the diseases associated with mosquito bites and ticks. Vaccines are available against dengue fever, yellow fever, and tick-borne meningoencephalitis (TBE), according to the RKI (Robert Koch Institute), and they are recommended in high-risk areas. 

Researchers at Oxford University recently developed the first vaccine that offers 75 percent protection against Malaria. Further studies to test the vaccine's effectiveness are now underway.

First aid for tick and insect bites

If despite all precautions, a mosquito or tick has outsmarted you, the following procedure will help:

• Cooling the area where the bite occurred relieves pain and swelling.
• Thermal bite healers destroy the protein structure of the venom that triggers the itching. They must be applied as soon as possible after the sting.
• If the discomfort is very severe and does not subside for days, see a doctor.
• You should remove ticks as quickly as possible. Avoid squeezing them! It is best to use L-shaped tweezers. 
• The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention provide a how-to with a series of illustrations. Further tips can be found on the CDC website.
• The German Allergy and Asthma Association points out that mosquito saliva might also cause allergic skin reactions, with the reaction being particularly severe in the case of stings by imported tropical mosquito species.

Prevention is better than cure

Saltidin^®/Icaridin helps you in many different ways:

• The active ingredient, which is well-tolerated, reliably repels insects - and in this way protects sensitive people and allergy sufferers in particular.
• The use of repellents containing Saltidin^® curbs the transmission of dangerous diseases.
• You also avoid other undesirable effects of insect bites, such as itching and inflammation.

Conclusion: With Saltidin^®, when used as directed, you can effectively protect your health and that of your loved ones - and enjoy your time outdoors without worries.

Regulatory Compliance Information

Some of the end uses of the products described in this publication do not comply with applicable regulations in the United States or Canada, such as the FIFRA or PMRA, and must not be used in this manner. For users in the United States or Canada please visit picaridin.saltidin.com