Under the hedge, there is the tick

Havelland
Walking through nature during the hot season is not without risk. Creeping little animals are out for humans and animals – ticks. Fortunately, Havelland and surrounding counties are not yet considered risk areas for diseases transmitted by them. Infectious diseases reported as a result of a tick bite have so far only increased in southern Brandenburg. Nevertheless, caution is required for excursions in the woods and on the moor. Covering the skin is always the most effective protection against tick bites. The commercially available lotions can also protect, however, the duration of action, usually a few hours, should be considered here.

No increase in reportable diseases after a tick bite

Cases of dreaded tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) have not been reported in the Havelland district for 12 years. It is different with Lyme disease, an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Borrelia. These can be transmitted to humans in tick bites. As of 20 July this year, 76 cases have been reported, Havelland District provides information on request. There were a total of 151 cases in 2017 and in 2016, 190 cases were recorded. Dramatic was the year 2013 with 217 cases reported. For both diseases, there is a compulsory registration in the state of Brandenburg.

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease. About 5 to 35% of all ticks are infected with Borrelia. In Germany, 1.5 to 6% of all bitten people are infected. However, this does not necessarily lead to an illness. Only 0.3 to 1.4% of people with the disease develop Lyme disease. In addition to TBE and Lyme disease, there are other diseases that can be transmitted by ticks, but they rarely occur.

The tick stung, what now?

Ticks have a lancing device because the sting takes place before, we talk about a tick bite. To find out if you have been stung, you must search the body thoroughly. In doing so, also look at the clothes, ticks may possibly hide there. If a tick is found in the skin, the RKI (Robert Koch Institute) advises to remove it immediately to minimize the risk of infection. In this case, as much as possible, all parts of the tick should be removed, preferably with tweezers or an instrument provided for this purpose. Do not treat with oil or glue before removing it, this only irritates the animal. After removal, the area of ​​the affected body must be well disinfected. There are detailed video tutorials on the internet on how to remove ticks safely.

The skin area should also be monitored the following days, a photo can be helpful to check the course. If in doubt, always consult a doctor. Important: Anyone who has been stung in a TBE risk area should think of the tick if similar symptoms occur one to two weeks after the flu. The current state of risk areas is available on www.rki.de. Here you can also check the current status of vaccination recommendations.