A recent study led by Susana Remesar Alonso, professor at the Department of Animal Pathology at the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), warns about the risk of bites from ticks in the Galician stages of the French Camino de Santiago, from O Cebreiro to Santiago. The work, funded by the Chair of the Camino de Santiago and the Pilgrimages of the USC, analyzes how to prevent these bites, which can transmit diseases such as Lyme.
Why are ticks dangerous?
Ticks, explains the researcher, carry pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and parasites. The most common species found in the area is the Ixodes ricinus, associated with Lyme disease, although other zoonotic pathogens such as Rickettsia, Anaplasma y Babesia.
“The Camino, with its route through forested areas and native vegetation, offers a perfect habitat for ticks, increasing the risk for pilgrims,” the study states.
How to protect yourself on the Camino
The report includes a series of practical recommendations to avoid stings:
Always walk through the center of the road.
- Wear closed shoes and light clothing to detect possible ticks.
- Apply repellents specific.
- Check body and clothes at the end of the day.
If you find a tick on your body, it is key to remove it properly: use tweezers, gently pull from the base and save it in a jar with alcohol for analysis if necessary. Wash the area well with soap and water. Do not use oils or heat, as they can increase the risk of infection.
Additionally, if fever or skin rashes appear days after the bite, go to the doctor. doctor with the tick to identify possible diseases.
