Society

4 die from tick bites in C China

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-05-26 06:39

ZHENGZHOU - Four people have died from tick bites in central China's Henan Province this year, provincial  health authorities said Wednesday.    

The four fatalities are among the 70 reported cases of human  granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) since March 31, when the first case was reported this year, according to a statement from the provincial Health Department.    

All the cases were reported in the city of Xinyang, where the local environment is quite suitable for ticks, it said. 

The disease is curable if treated timely and most people infected are between ages 40 to 80. The peak season is between May and September.    

HGA reduces white blood cell and platelet counts in the blood, leading to organ failure and death. The disease can cause people to feel nauseous and have a fever.   

The provincial Health Department has distributed treatment and  control plans to local governments and sent experts from the provincial Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) to give on-site advice.    

Xinyang government also distributed flyers to guide people in  protecting themselves from tick bites and asking them to see a doctor once they run a fever.