Alarm in Ostallgäu: Lyme disease cases are increasing rapidly!

Alarm in Ostallgäu: Lyme disease cases are increasing rapidly!

Concern about Lyme disease is spreading in Ostallgäu. 19 cases have already been reported since the beginning of 2025, compared to only seven the year before. Such increases are alarming, especially since the Robert Koch Institute registers around 10,000 such cases in Germany every year - and the number of unreported cases is probably even higher because there is no nationwide reporting requirement. In the milder seasons, favored by the warmer winters and the dry springs, the little pests, the ticks, are particularly active.

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in Germany, and systematic prevention is essential. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine against Lyme disease, which makes the situation quite precarious without a vaccination option. Diagnosis can also often be challenging because symptoms only appear weeks or months after a tick bite. If left untreated, the disease can lead to serious, chronic inflammation. The transmission of the Borrelia bacteria usually only occurs after more than 24 hours.

Protective measures and symptoms

The most common recommendations are to wear long pants, socks and closed-toed shoes when engaging in outdoor activities and to thoroughly check your body for ticks after spending time outdoors. In addition, commercially available repellents can increase protection. A typical sign of a Lyme infection is erythema, a ring-shaped redness around the injection site. But non-specific symptoms such as fever, muscle aches and headaches can also occur.

Experts also warn that Lyme disease is not the only concern that comes from ticks. While the Hyalomma ticks, which are particularly widespread in southeastern Europe and certain regions of Asia, are still relatively rare in Germany, their spread could be facilitated by rising temperatures and lower humidity. This species of tick is known for its striped legs, which help them show consideration for their victims, and they can potentially carry the Crimean-Congo virus.

Lyme disease and TBE in comparison

In Germany, 183 districts are now considered TBE risk areas, although Lyme disease is only reported in nine federal states. The danger is particularly high in Bavaria, especially in the Regen and Straubing-Bogen districts. According to one study, up to 30% of ticks in Lyme disease areas carry the bacteria, while only about 5% of ticks in TBE risk areas carry viruses.

The main season for ticks extends over spring, early summer and autumn. This time is dangerous not only for people, but also for the animals that move in the forests and meadows. Vaccinations against TBE are strongly recommended for people in risk areas, as TBE viruses are transmitted immediately. Lyme disease, on the other hand, as already mentioned, takes time to spread from a pest to people.

Local health authorities and family doctors are available to provide further information and provide advice to those affected. At times when tick activity increases, caution is advised - look closely when you are outside!

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