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Red alert: Lyme disease and TBE are spreading in Saxony-Anhalt!
Lyme disease cases have increased in Jerichower Land. Learn more about causes, symptoms and protective measures.
Red alert: Lyme disease and TBE are spreading in Saxony-Anhalt!
Summer is here and with it the ticks are returning, and they are increasingly active in Germany this year. The focus is particularly on diseases such as Lyme disease and TBE, which are transmitted by the small blood-sucking parasites. The number of infections is rising and people are alarmed.
By June 25, 2023, 429 cases of Lyme disease had already been reported in Saxony-Anhalt. This is a drastic increase compared to the average of approximately 111 cases in the same period from 2015 to 2019. Possible causes for this increase include climate changes that favor higher tick populations, as well as improved diagnostics and increased awareness of the disease. The Salzlandkreis with 94 cases and the Börde district with 86 cases are particularly affected. In urban areas such as Magdeburg, 26 cases were recorded Central German newspaper reported.
An increase in tick bites
But it's not just Lyme disease. Infections caused by the TBE virus, which can cause serious effects such as meningitis and encephalitis, have also increased sharply. Almost 820 cases were recorded in the first 22 weeks of 2023, compared to only around 70 last year. The News.de emphasizes that it is particularly important to get vaccinated against TBE, especially in risk areas such as Bavaria.
The ticks are not only active during the summer months; Their season can begin in the mild winter and last until late autumn. Temperature and precipitation play a big role in the activity of these small animals. Protective measures are therefore essential. Wear light-colored, body-covering clothing and use tick repellent. A thorough search of the body after spending time in nature, especially the backs of the knees and the abdominal area, is strongly recommended.
Symptoms and treatment
It is important to know that tick bites are not just small pricks. They can transmit a variety of diseases. The main symptoms of a Lyme disease infection include the so-called walking flush, which appears as a ring-shaped rash, as well as flu-like symptoms with fever, muscle aches and headaches. Acting quickly is crucial: If treated with antibiotics in a timely manner, the chances of recovery are excellent. However, untreated infections can lead to long-term damage. The TBE virus causes similar symptoms, but the only prevention lies in vaccination, according to a study in the PubMed Central explained.
In summary, the increased incidence of ticks and the increasing number of infections is an explosive issue that comes to the fore every year. Protect yourself and your loved ones through preventative measures and do not hesitate to seek advice from a doctor about the necessary vaccinations. So the fun in nature remains undimmed!