Danger! Ticks are active all year round-TBE risk increases rapidly!

Danger! Ticks are active all year round-TBE risk increases rapidly!

Österreich - ticks are active all year round and represent a growing health risk. Especially in urban green areas, the small parasites are common and can transmit dangerous diseases such as early summer meningoencephalitis (TBE). In Austria, several people with TBE have been hospitalized in the past few months, which again points out that the risk of infection does not only exist in the warm months. In 2024, a total of 162 people were hospitalized based on TBE, a worrying increase that calls for increased mindfulness, especially before the upcoming tick season in summer.

The TBE disease, which is transmitted by the stitch of the Ixodes Ricinus tick, first manifests itself through flu-like symptoms such as fever and body pain. Complications that can occur in the second phase of the disease are less common, but have serious consequences. The risks are particularly higher in adults, with about 1% of those affected to die to the disease. In Austria, TBE-infected ticks are detected in all federal states, whereby the risk is particularly in traditional risk areas such as Tyrol and Vorarlberg, which can no longer be considered to be safe.

prevention and protection

Before the tick season, parents in particular should make sure to check their children's vaccination pass. Experts emphasize that the last TME vaccination should be refreshed every five years. In people over 60 years, refresher has been recommended every three years. Unpolished people should be vaccinated as soon as possible, since at least two partial vaccinations are required to build adequate protection.

It is important to note that the TBE vaccination does not protect against the Lyme disease, which is also transmitted by ticks. After a stay outdoors, a thorough self-examination on ticks is essential, since Borreliosis bacteria need up to a day to be transferred. One of the typical symptoms of Lyme disease is the clinical picture of the blush, which can occur at the tick bite site.

The role of ticks as disease sponsors

ticks belong to the class of arachnids and are ectoparasites that suck the blood of vertebrates, including people. In Germany, many ticks are infected with borrelia that are responsible for Lyme disease. This is often evident in the warmer months from March to October and, if it remains untreated, can lead to serious health problems. An early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are crucial to avoid permanent damage.

The discovery that ticks also occur at high altitudes of up to 1,500 meters expands the potential risk areas for TBE and Lyme disease. Even if a decrease in the tick population was determined in some regions, these are still significant transmitters of serious diseases.

For more information on this topic you can do the articles on 5min , vivantes and PMC Read.