Borreliosis alarm in Saxony: 535 cases and rapidly increasing tendency!

Borreliosis alarm in Saxony: 535 cases and rapidly increasing tendency!

Dresden, Deutschland - In Saxony, an alarming increase in Borreliosis cases is currently being recorded. 535 diseases have been registered since the beginning of the year, which is a significant increase compared to the previous year when 456 cases were reported at that time. In the 25th reporting week between June 16 and 22, 68 new infections were added. N-tv.de has published these figures and makes it clear that the region is faced with a serious health challenge.

A look at the distribution of cases shows that most Borreliosis cases are recorded in particular in the cities of Dresden and in the Saxon Switzerland-Eastern Mountains. There were 10 new cases in Dresden, while 11 new infections were found in the neighboring district. In 2024, Saxony had a total of 1,628 cases of Lyme disease, which already meant an increase of about 150 cases compared to the previous year.

Risks of tick bites

The disease itself is transmitted by ticks and, if it is not treated, can lead to serious health problems such as joint, heart muscle and nerve infections. Not only are the classic tick types such as Ixodes Ricinus in the game, but also the hyalomma tick that gets to Germany through migratory birds could play a role in the future. This type of tick is larger and has the potential to transmit dangerous pathogens like the Crimea Congo virus. In general, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) sees a threat from ticks, especially during the main season in spring, early summer and autumn. At temperatures from about 8 degrees Celsius, ticks become active, and milder winter could promote the tick population, which increases the risk of transmission.

Lyme disease is not the only disease transmitted by ticks that worries. In the same breath, N-tv.de reported that the decline in cases of early summer meningoencephalitis (TBE) is remarkable compared to previous years. So far, five TBE cases have been reported in Saxony this year, compared to the same time 2024 at the same time. 63 TBE cases were registered in the Saxon tick season, which was almost twice as much as 2023.

protection and prevention

To protect yourself from the dangers of a tick bite, it is advisable to wear long, light clothing and the use of insect sprays. In addition, body and clothing should be searched thoroughly after stays in nature. It is particularly important to pay attention to symptoms such as ring-shaped redness, fever, muscle and headache, as well as tiredness that could indicate a Borreliosis infection. Even if the majority of the people bitten by an infected tick do not fall out, prevention is of central importance.

For people who live in TBE risk areas or are there, vaccination is advisable. In Germany, 183 circles are currently considered risk areas for TBE. Despite the declines of TBE infections, mindfulness towards the dangers of ticks is still important. Experts warn that ticks can transmit Lyme disease all over Germany, with the greatest danger in Bavaria, especially in the districts of rain and straubing arches.

The sources are linked here for further information: n-tv.de , rki , Morgenpost .