Tick ​​alarm in Thuringia: Increasing cases of Lyme disease and new risks!

Tick ​​alarm in Thuringia: Increasing cases of Lyme disease and new risks!

In Thuringia, where nature blooms magnificently, a worrying development is currently taking place: the number of Lyme disease cases has risen sharply. By the end of June 2023, 137 cases had already been reported, a sharp increase compared to the 101 cases last year, as reported thueringen24.de reported. Lyme disease, a disease transmitted by infected ticks, can cause serious health problems, especially if the heart is affected.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), which is also transmitted through tick bites, remains a serious issue. Five declared cases have been recorded this year, a minimal decrease compared to last year's six cases. While TBE is harmless in most cases, in the worst case the disease can be fatal. That is why the Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) recommends vaccination in 13 specific risk areas in Thuringia, such as in Altenburger Land and around Jena. This recommendation is particularly important for people who frequently travel outdoors where the risk of a tick bite is high.

Dangerous contemporaries and their spread

The common wood tick, previously the main suspect among ticks, is now facing competition from the Hyalomma tick. These newcomers, primarily from Africa and Asia, are larger and have the disturbing ability to stalk their prey. So far, cases in Germany have been rare, but parasitologist Ute Mackenstedt warns of a possible nationwide risk of TBE and other infections that can be transmitted by these ticks.

Another aspect of concern is climatic changes. Loud WDR Ticks are active all year round, which is due to the mild winters and the favorable conditions for their reproduction. These developments show that the TBE risk areas are increasingly spreading northwards. Researchers at the Institute of Parasitology at the Hannover Veterinary University Foundation are therefore watching with suspicion the increasing number of TBE cases, especially in Scandinavian countries, where cases have doubled in recent years.

Prevention is key

What can Thuringians do to protect themselves? ThüringenForst recommends staying on the paths, wearing long sleeves and trouser legs and using special repellents when going on excursions into nature. Carefully checking for ticks after spending time outdoors can also help minimize the risk of infection.

The situation is alarming and it remains to be hoped that responsible measures can protect the health of the population. Lyme disease and TBE are not easy topics, but with caution and information you can deal with the dreaded little bloodsuckers.

For more information about Lyme disease cases and their developments in Thuringia, also visit tag24.de.