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Country of Oldenburg
2018 is a year of ticks: this summer, many small blood suckers conquer meadows and forests. It also increases the risk of developing meningitis or Lyme disease, now warns the German Infection Research Center (DZIF). "We will have the greatest number of ticks in the last decade," says Dr. Gerhard Dobler, scientist at DZIF
In Lower Saxony there have been only a few cases of malaria. TBE reported in recent years in which the infection probably occurred in Lower Saxony. TBE (tick-borne encephalitis) symptoms include high fever, severe headache, altered consciousness, and paralysis. Until now, the virus has only been detected in two areas of Lower Saxony, Cuxhaven and Nienburg, in a few ticks. An infection can not be ruled out, but according to the office of state health very unlikely. A general recommendation for TBE vaccination is therefore not available in Lower Saxony. However, the risk of infection could increase in the next few years, dr says. Gerhard Dobler of the German Infection Research Center (DZIF). "In the trend, the whole is increasing," is his cautious prognosis. But as it still seems very sporadic, it can not be badigned to specific counties.
The warning applies especially to the south of Germany. Especially in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, ticks, when they bite the skin, transmit a dangerous TBE (tick-borne encephalitis). TBE viruses can cause serious diseases of the meninges, brain and spinal cord. In addition, they can lead to permanent paralysis. In addition to southern Germany, TBE risks also exist in some Thuringian, Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saxon and Saar countries. "In affected areas, residents traveling in the forest must be vaccinated against FSME," advises Leonhard Hamschmidt of the district health department of Oldenburg.
And what about the north of Germany? "There are more ticks, including us," says Hamschmidt. The risk of meningitis is currently very low. But: "Borrelia can be transmitted nationwide." Pathogens are, according to DZIF – regardless of region – in every fourth tick to be found. So vigilance is needed even in the northwest. "Walking in the woods, it is better to avoid the undergrowth," recommends Hamschmidt. It is there that dangerous leeches really like to sit. You should also wear long-sleeved clothes – "and pull down on your pants," advises Hamschmidt. After a stay in nature, you have to look carefully
In Germany affect in particular Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg, but also the regions of Hesse, Thuringia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saxony and Saar affected by TBE viruses In Europe TBE infections occur in Austria, Hungary and Switzerland, mainly in the Czech Republic, parts of Poland, the Baltic States and the coastal and lacustrine areas of Sweden, Finland and Norway.
The island of Gotland and the archipelago of the Åland Islands (Mariehamn) lie between Sweden and Finland.
(Source: Niedersächsisches Landesgesundheitsamt)
Lyme disease is an infectious disease primarily affecting the skin, but also the nervous system and joints. In federal states like Bavaria, where there is a registration requirement, there are many more reports this year than in previous years. In 2016 (8499) and in 2017 (7796), reported cases were significantly higher than in 2015 (5882). "But we've also heard from northern family doctors that cases are growing," says Dobler. There is no vaccine against borreliosis and the disease is treated with antibiotics. Anyone who has caught a tick should completely remove it as soon as possible. "As this requires special forceps, it is best to go to the doctor," explains Hamschmidt. If this is not possible, you should pull it yourself because: "The more they soak, the higher the risk of transmission."
Master Chart (PDF): TBE Risk in Europe
There are many ticks this year According to Dobler, this is due to the combination of favorable conditions over the past two years. Two years ago, there was a "fruiting year" – a year when trees produced a lot of fruit, like oak and pine. This has led to a larger increase in mice, which in turn are the main food source for tick larvae. So the numbers have gone up. In addition, many ticks have survived the last – cool, wet summers in general.
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