Tick ​​alarm in Saxony-Anhalt: Lyme disease cases are exploding!

Tick ​​alarm in Saxony-Anhalt: Lyme disease cases are exploding!

Summertime is also tick time and warnings about the small, often barely noticeable, blood-sucking spider creatures are increasing. As of June 25, 2023, 429 cases of Lyme disease had already been counted in Saxony-Anhalt, a worrying increase compared to the average of 111 cases between 2015 and 2019. Experts suspect that, in addition to improved diagnostic options, climate changes and increased sensitivity to the disease are responsible for this. The ticks are particularly active in the Salzland district with 94 cases and in the Börde district with 86 cases. Individual cities such as Magdeburg and Jerichower Land also have higher case numbers. 26 cases were registered in Magdeburg and 19 cases in Jerichower Land. The first warm temperatures bring out the little pests, which become active at double-digit temperatures and become even more active when there is increased precipitation. This is a development that is causing worry lines for many buyers - as the Mitteldeutsche Zeitung reports.

Tick ​​season usually starts in March, but in milder winters it can start as early as February or last all year round. The little crawlers are not only a pest, but also carriers of dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease and TBE (tick-borne encephalitis). To protect yourself from an unwanted tick bite, experts recommend wearing light-colored, body-covering clothing and using tick repellent. After spending a lot of time in nature, we recommend a thorough body check, especially in sensitive areas such as the backs of the knees and under the arms.

The danger of Lyme disease

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted through tick bites; the main cause in Germany is the pathogen B. burgdorferi sensu strictu. The transmission rate when bitten is only around 15%. A typical early sign is the so-called wandering redness, a ring-shaped skin rash. Other symptoms can include fever, muscle aches and headaches, which can usually be easily treated with early treatment with antibiotics such as doxycycline, amoxicillin or ceftriaxone. But be careful: If left untreated, long-term damage can manifest itself and the late forms of the disease can appear months or even years after the tick bite, as the Online platform PMC explains.

TBE – Another risk

In addition to Lyme disease, ticks can also transmit the TBE virus, which can cause flu-like symptoms and, in severe cases, meningitis or encephalitis. The risks vary regionally, with around 2% of ticks in Germany carrying the TBE virus, mainly in southern Germany. A vaccination against TBE is particularly recommended for people in risk areas who spend a lot of time outdoors. With regard to protective measures, it is important not only to pay attention to your own clothing, but also to react quickly after a tick bite: The tick should be removed immediately and correctly, without twisting it or treating it with oil, as this could promote the release of germs, as described on mycare.de.

In summary: The warm months not only bring joy, but also danger from local ticks. A healthy awareness of prevention and identifying signs of infection is key to experiencing this season without any unpleasant surprises. Take care of your body, grab your tick control products and enjoy the outdoors – health always comes first!