Lower Franconia: High number of ticks increases the risk of TBE – vaccination recommended!

Lower Franconia: High number of ticks increases the risk of TBE – vaccination recommended!

In the last few weeks a particularly active activity of ticks has been observed in Lower Franconia. The warm temperatures of the past few months have meant that the little bloodsuckers are out and about in droves. So reported meincharivari.de that, due to this development, the region is considered a high-risk area for the transmission of diseases such as TBE (tick-borne encephalitis) and Lyme disease. However, there have been no registered TBE infections so far this year, which has made some people breathe a sigh of relief.

The Lower Franconian General Practitioners Association reports that the number of ticks is particularly high this year, which is not least due to the mild winter. Would you like an example? In a practice in Mainstockheim, 20 ticks were removed on Monday alone. This shows that awareness of tick bites is growing among the population and people are becoming better informed.

Disease risks in view

TBE should not be underestimated. This viral disease manifests itself with symptoms such as fever and headaches and, in the worst case, can lead to meningitis. A ray of hope: A vaccination against TBE is available, which family doctors can offer easily - often even without an appointment. The Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL) strongly recommends this vaccination to protect yourself in TBE risk areas.

In contrast to TBE, there is no vaccination for Lyme disease. The disease, which is transmitted through a tick bite, can lead to serious complications if diagnosed late, such as inflammation of the joints and heart muscle. Loud meincharivari.de 37 cases of TBE and over 230 cases of Lyme disease have already been registered in Bavaria this year. So it's high time to pay attention.

Tick ​​species in focus

What many people don't know: There are different genera of ticks in Germany, including the Hyalomma ticks, which are widespread in some regions of Asia, Africa and southeastern Europe. This type of tick has been detected in some regions of Germany since 2007 and is rarely found there. Loud RKI The larvae and nymphs reach us with migratory birds and then develop into adult ticks in the summer.

Most notably, these Hyalomma ticks can transmit the Crimean-Congo virus, which causes Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. Despite this potential danger, the virus is not found in wild or farm animals in Germany, which is indeed reassuring. Nevertheless, it is recommended that any Hyalomma ticks you find be sent to the Robert Koch Institute to find out more about their distribution.

Prevention and protective measures

It is advisable to protect yourself well during tick season. The period from April to September is considered the peak season for ticks, with them becoming active as soon as temperatures are between 8 and 10 degrees Celsius. But they are also more common after rain because they prefer moist environments.

To avoid tick bites, you should protect yourself accordingly in nature: Long clothing, bright colors to make ticks easier to recognize and the use of repellents can help. And if you do fall victim to a tick bite, it is important to remove the tick as quickly as possible with special tick tweezers, making sure that the mouthparts do not remain in the skin.

All in all, it shows that the little beasts, the blood-sucking parasites, have to be taken seriously. Take care of yourself and your loved ones, stay informed, and don't be afraid to tell your doctor when it comes to TBE and Lyme disease.