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Spatial tick bite exposure and associated risk factors in Scandinavia
Solveig Jore1, Sophie O Vanwambeke2, Daniel Slunge3
1Department of Infection Prevention & Preparedness, Norwegian Public Health Institute, Oslo, Norway.
Infection Ecology & Epidemiology
|September 14, 2020
Summary
Nearly 60% of adults in Scandinavia reported tick bites, often occurring outside their home municipalities. Prevention campaigns should target both urban outdoor enthusiasts and rural residents to mitigate risks associated with tick-borne diseases.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Tick-borne diseases pose significant public health challenges in Europe and North America.
- Understanding human exposure patterns and behaviors is crucial for effective prevention and control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify exposure to tick bites across Scandinavia.
- To determine the spatial distribution of tick bites.
- To identify associated risk factors for tick bites.
Main Methods:
- A web-based survey was administered to a randomly selected population in Scandinavia.
- Data analysis involved Principal Component Analysis and Chi-Square tests.
- Individual responses were aggregated at the municipality level to map spatial bite distribution.
Main Results:
- Approximately 60% of adults reported 1-5 tick bites, with most bites occurring outside their home municipalities.
- Two distinct spatial bite profiles were identified: less urbanized areas within home municipalities and peri-urban areas when visiting other municipalities.
- Activities like forest running/walking, gardening, and paddling were strongly associated with tick bites.
Conclusions:
- Tick bites are widespread across Scandinavia, with Sweden showing a higher risk than Denmark and Norway.
- Observing ticks in the environment or on pets can serve as a proxy for actual tick bite exposure risk.
- Prevention campaigns must target both urban outdoor enthusiasts and rural inhabitants due to broad exposure patterns.
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