TV
A sudden and severe tick infestation has left the residents of Srirampur village in Batisuan panchayat under Pallahara block in Angul district deeply troubled. For over six days now, ticks have overrun the village, causing fear and disruption in the daily lives of its inhabitants. Locals report that ticks are visible in large numbers across doorsteps, floors, walls, and even along the village roads, making it nearly impossible to move about without concern.
Insecticide Spraying Sees No Relief
Following repeated complaints, the local administration visited the village and sprayed pesticides to control the tick population. However, villagers allege that the situation worsened after the spraying, claiming the number of ticks has instead doubled. Despite the gravity of the issue, residents state that no official response or clarification has yet been received from the authorities regarding the apparent failure of the insecticide treatment.
Villagers in Constant Fear of Tick Bites
As per reports, the villagers are fed up with the rising number of ticks and their continued presence even after measures were taken. In fear of being bitten and possibly developing infections, people have been sweeping walls, cleaning floors repeatedly, and trying to rid their homes of the parasites. The newborn ticks are so minute, no bigger than a speck of dirt, that they are often missed during cleanups, increasing the anxiety among the villagers.
Ticks and The Risks They Pose to Health
Ticks are parasitic arachnids that feed on the blood of humans and animals. Their bites can cause severe irritation, allergic reactions, and in some cases, transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis, or rickettsial infections. In rural areas with close human-animal contact, such infestations pose significant health risks, particularly to children, the elderly, and livestock. Without timely and effective control, a tick outbreak can lead to widespread health complications and economic distress.
