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Heat slows down ticks in Hesse: only seven TBE cases so far!
Warm weather in Hesse reduces tick bites and TBE cases; Vaccination and prevention measures remain important.
Heat slows down ticks in Hesse: only seven TBE cases so far!
Given the persistently warm weather in Hesse, there is a positive development in tick bites. So far, only seven cases of TBE (tick-borne encephalitis) have been reported, as reported by FFH. This is in contrast to the significantly higher numbers of previous years. The Hessian Ministry of Health has determined that the heat, in particular the activity of the most common tick species, the common wood tick, has caused a reduction in the number of tick bites.
Despite this good news, caution is advised. The invasive hyaloma tick, which thrives better at high temperatures, is rare in Hesse, but could become more important in the future. Vaccination is still an essential measure to protect yourself against TBE, even if there is no effective vaccination against the more common Lyme disease. The latter can go unnoticed, but in some cases shows symptoms such as fever and redness at the injection site, which should not be ignored.
Risk areas and prevention
The health authorities recommend vaccination specifically in defined TBE risk areas, which are mainly in the southern and eastern part of Hesse. The areas concerned are:
- Offenbach
- Darmstadt
- Landkreis Bergstraße
- Darmstadt-Dieburg
- Fulda
- Groß-Gerau
- Main-Kinzig
- Marburg-Biedenkopf
- Odenwald
- Kreis Offenbach
In 2024, the number of TBE diseases in Germany increased by 44% compared to the previous year, with the annual number of cases subject to strong fluctuations. To prevent possible transmission of Borrelia, ticks should be removed quickly and carefully without squeezing the tick's body. The experts also recommend that you carefully observe the bite site after removing the tick and consult a doctor immediately if you notice any unusual symptoms.
Other health risks and precautions
Hesse is also facing increasing challenges from the Asian tiger mosquito, which is considered a possible vector of tropical diseases. So far, no transmissions by this mosquito have been detected in Germany, but the risk could increase as the mosquito spreads and travelers return. The Ministry of Health recommends preventing tiger mosquito breeding sites to curb its spread.
In summary, it remains important not only to get vaccinated against TBE, but also to take other protective measures: These include wearing long-sleeved clothing in nature, using insect repellent and regularly checking for ticks.
For more information about Lyme disease and its symptoms, those interested can take a look at the RKI's comprehensive data, which is provided via [RKI](https://www.rki.de/DE/Themen/Infection Diseases/Infection Diseases-A-Z/B/Borreliose/Borreliose.html?nn=16907268).
The coming weeks and months could be crucial in determining how the tick season develops. A certain level of vigilance and implementation of preventive measures are essential to stay healthy.