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Attention, tick alarm! Important tips for the Donau-Ries district!
Find out important tips for protecting yourself from ticks in the Donau-Ries district, a high-risk area for TBE and Lyme disease.
Attention, tick alarm! Important tips for the Donau-Ries district!
As the summer months approach, ticks are also active again - and not only in the forests and meadows around the beautiful landscapes of Germany, but also in urban areas such as Cologne. Small but mean, these blood-sucking parasites can transmit dangerous diseases such as TBE (tick-borne encephalitis) and Lyme disease. The Donau-Ries Health Department is now warning of an increase in the tick population and advises people to be careful, especially in high-risk areas such as Donau-Ries. Ticks are also very active here and the risk of a bite should not be underestimated. According to [Augsburger Allgemeine](https://www.augsburger- Allgemeine.de/donauwoerth/schutz-vor-zecken-bessere-tipps-und-information-fuer-den-landkreis-donau-ries-109619697), there is only one district in Bavaria - Schweinfurt - that is not classified as a TBE risk area.
Although current data on the tick population is not available, the increasing number of cases of tick-borne diseases speaks for itself. In 2022, there were at least 36 cases of Lyme disease in Donau-Ries by mid-June, while 26 cases had already been registered in 2025. An increase in the tick population is attributed to climate change, which brings milder winters and thus increases the survival rate of these pests. One more reason to increase your own precautionary measures are these ticks, which become active at temperatures around 4 degrees and are present in Germany all year round, as [WDR](https://www1.wdr.de/nachrichten/zecken-borreliose-fsme-risk areas-100.html) reports.
Prevention is the be-all and end-all
How can you effectively protect yourself from a tick bite? Health authorities recommend several precautionary measures that are easy to implement. This includes wearing appropriate clothing - long trousers, long-sleeved shirts and closed shoes offer good protection. The use of tick anti-tick products should also be part of your outdoor equipment. Anyone who spends time in tall grass or bushes should do so carefully and always stay on paths and paths. And don't forget: After spending time outdoors, a thorough body search is essential!
The typical bite sites are often sensitive regions such as the head, the hairline, the ears or the back of the knees. Especially after a tick bite, it is important to check the puncture site for changes such as migrating redness. If you experience flu-like symptoms after a bite, you should definitely see a doctor to avoid anything worse. And for everyone who lives or travels in risk areas: A vaccination against TBE is strongly recommended, as Zecken.de summarizes.
A look at the risk areas
The spread of TBE risk areas in Germany is a topic that is receiving more and more attention. New risk areas are not only emerging in southern Germany, but are also increasingly spreading to the north, which is important for all nature lovers. Only six TBE cases were reported in 2024 up to calendar week 8. Over the past decade, figures have averaged around five TBE cases per year during this period, but that could change, experts warn.
In conclusion, if you want to be on the safe side, you should continue to take appropriate protective measures when going out into the countryside, check yourself regularly and, if in doubt, consult a doctor in good time. So summer remains a carefree enjoyment!