Tick virus: as many cases as in eighteen plus – Switzerland: Standard

The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) reports a significant increase in cases of tick-borne encephalitis in Switzerland. Thus, since the beginning of the year, 150 people have already been infected with the dangerous encephalitis virus

In June, 73 people were diagnosed with meningoencephalitis (TBE) in the summer, as witness the figures published Monday by the BAG. Hematophagous ticks are apparently very active at the beginning of this year. In previous years, far fewer people were infected with the virus until the end of June. According to the BAG Bulletin, between 46 and 109 cases have been recorded during the same period in the years since 2000.

This year, many more people have consulted a doctor for tick bites or Lyme disease . According to a BAG projection, there were approximately 21,300 physician visits for tick bites and 6900 for acute borreliosis cases at the end of June.

BAG recommends immunizations

in June. Only a small proportion of ticks carry the dangerous TBE virus. In addition, it occurs only in certain areas of Switzerland. Tick ​​bites infected with TBE can trigger two relapses.

In a first episode, the symptoms are similar to those of the flu, such as headache, fever, fatigue or joint discomfort, 7 to 14 days after the bite. 5 to 15 percent of patients suffer from a second episode lasting for months, with symptoms of meningitis or brain inflammation.

Other ticks transmit Lyme disease

These symptoms can trigger paralysis leaving permanent disabilities. About 1% of TBE cases are fatal. More recently, a young woman died of such a tick bite at Brittnau AG in early July. The BAG recommends vaccinating against the TBE virus.

Many more ticks are infected with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. There is no vaccine. Lyme disease due to tick bites should be treated with antibiotics. (sept / sda)

Date created: 09.07.2018, 13:20