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Tick season: more cases of Lyme disease in ŷŮ

Tick

According to experts, the likelihood of a Borrelia infection increases around 16 to 20 hours after a tick bite.

Significantly more people in ŷŮ are now infected with tick-borne Lyme disease than a few years ago.

Since the beginning of the year, 206 cases have been reported to the State Office of Public Health (Lageso) (as of June 18). In the years 2015 to 2019, the average number in the same period was only around 146, according to a recent weekly report on infectious diseases.

Climate change extends tick season

The increase is probably related to several factors, but above all to climate change, as a Lageso spokeswoman explains. "Mild and wet winters and higher temperatures in spring can bring forward and extend the period of tick activity into spring. This increases the density of ticks and the frequency of contact between humans and ticks, which can then lead to higher Lyme disease case numbers." A change in people's outdoor behavior could also play a role.

23 cases within one week

To avoid infection after a tick bite, the tick should be removed as quickly as possible, as the risk of infection is still low in the first few hours after the bite, recommends the Lageso. Most recently, 23 cases were reported to Lageso within a week. Two people were diagnosed with Lyme arthritis - an inflammation of the joints that mainly affects the knee joints.

Rash can indicate infection

According to the health authorities, the symptoms of an infection with borrelia are not always clearly recognizable. Typical is a rash, the so-called migratory redness, a red ring that usually forms and spreads around the puncture site. A circumscribed swelling and reddish-purple discoloration of the skin could also indicate Lyme disease. In addition, classic signs of an infection such as fever, headache, muscle pain or aching limbs may also be present.

No vaccination against Lyme disease

The infection can cause inflammation and serious diseases of the lymph nodes, joints and nervous system. If you have any suspicious symptoms, you should therefore definitely see a doctor. There is currently no vaccination against Lyme disease.

In 2024, a total of 972 cases of Lyme disease were reported in ŷŮ. In 2023 there were 984 cases and in 2022 a total of 807 cases.

Author: dpa/deepl.com
Publication date: 24 June 2025
Last updated: 24 June 2025

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