Tick ​​plague in Stuttgart: How to protect yourself from TBE and Lyme disease!

Tick ​​plague in Stuttgart: How to protect yourself from TBE and Lyme disease!

Ticks are particularly active in Germany at the moment, and the Stuttgart region has that firmly under control. How SWR reports, the mild winter of 2023 means that these little pests will be out and about in exceptional numbers this season. This increases the risk of diseases such as Lyme disease and TBE. Ute Mackenstedt from the University of Hohenheim even described 2023 as a “year of ticks” – instead of just from March to October, they are now active all year round.

Even when temperatures are just a few degrees above freezing, ticks can be active. They prefer to hide in grass and bushes and should therefore be treated with care when spending time in nature. Andreas Liebig from the Stuttgart Clinic strongly recommends getting vaccinated against TBE in order to cushion the consequences of a possible infection.

Increasing case numbers and new risk areas

The current numbers are worrying. In 2024, 21 TBE cases have already been reported in the Stuttgart region; In 2023 there were even 226 cases throughout Baden-Württemberg, the third highest number since mandatory reporting was introduced in 2001. By the end of May 2025, four TBE cases had already been registered in Stuttgart - including one particularly serious case. There are already indications that the number of infections could increase, which could also be due to climate change.

But the trend is not just limited to Stuttgart. A new map from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) shows an increase in TBE risk areas nationwide. In addition to Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria and other regions in Germany are particularly affected. WDR reports that the risk areas are even spreading from south to north, which further alarms the population in these areas.

Frequency of Lyme disease

But not only TBE is a problem, Lyme disease also poses a serious danger. The number of unreported cases of this disease is high because it is not reportable. In the Stuttgart region, around 2,300 cases were registered among AOK insured people in 2023. In contrast to TBE, exact figures for Lyme disease are difficult to determine because infections are usually not recorded statistically SWP reported. This suggests that the true number of illnesses is significantly higher than previous data suggests.

The symptoms of Lyme disease can be noticeable in the form of a migrating flush around the injection site, fever and headache. A blood test can confirm the disease, but here too you are required to act early. The quicker a tick is removed, the lower the risk of infection.

Prevention is the be-all and end-all

Preventive measures are crucial to minimize the risk of tick bite infection. Experts recommend wearing long clothing and using anti-tick sprays. Regular checks for ticks on the body are essential, especially after spending time in nature, be it in the forest or in your own garden. Ticks are not only found in heavily wooded areas, they have also taken up residence in urban parks and gardens.

With this information every twelve months, it remains clear: the tick season could last a long time and it is advisable to always be careful. With the right knowledge and appropriate protective measures, the danger can be significantly reduced.