Ticks are known to be dangerous disease carriers. The mild winters favor the spread of a new, dangerous tick species.
- The tick season * started in March this year.
- Due to the mild winter, a dangerous tick species is spreading in Germany .
- How to protect yourself from the dangerous tick bites .
Coronavirus * restrictions have driven many people into nature this year. Fresh air and outdoor exercise are very healthy, but forests and meadows also harbor small, nondescript dangers . Every year, when it gets warmer, the ticks become active again and wait for fresh blood from people and pets, such as dogs and cats . You have to pay special attention to a dangerous tick species this year.
New tick species in Germany: diseases, size, lifespan
It is actually located in warmer regions of the world and occurs mainly in North Africa, Southern Europe and the Middle East . But now it has also been spotted more and more in Germany: the tick species "Hyalomma". Like all tick species , the hyalomma tick lurks in nature for other animals to suck up their blood. In addition to cattle, dogs and birds , it unfortunately also affects humans.
The diseases that a Hyalomma tick can transmit to its host are particularly dangerous . Among other things, the Crimean-Congo fever is transmitted almost exclusively by this type of tick. In most cases it is mild or without any symptoms, but a severe outbreak can lead to dangerous internal bleeding . Especially in regions with poor medical care, the probability of a fatal outcome can increase up to 50 percent.
The hyalomma tick comes from Africa and southern Europe.
© picture alliance / dpa
The Hyalomma tick is recognizable by its striking size. Many specimens can grow up to two centimeters . The ticks also have brightly striped legs. In their lives, they attack host animals one to three times and transmit dangerous diseases during this change.
A spread in Northern Europe is probably due to migratory birds, because the ticks can stick to their host for many weeks. So far, this type of tick has not been able to survive in Germany, because the winters were too cold for that. Tick researchers at the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart are certain that the first specimens could have survived the winter of 2018/2019, according to daserste.de. The particularly mild winter of 2019/2020 could now help the tick species to establish itself in Germany in the long term.
Particularly insidious: the hyalomma tick chases its hosts
The tick species that have hitherto been native come mainly to the body by wiping off the tall grass or bushes. The Hyalomma tick belongs to the so-called " Jadg ticks ". She has good eyes and nimble legs and follows her victims over several hundred meters.
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Tick alarm: With rising temperatures, the little bloodsuckers spread - and like to bite. However, the problem is not the bite. Rather, the parasites can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease - triggered by bacteria. But no need to worry: The DJV gives you important information so that you can continue to enjoy nature. # ticks # tick bite # tick protection # diseases # Lyme disease # spring # nature # tips
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Also read: The danger from the ground: You can get this infectious disease in the garden
Types of ticks: With these features, ticks can be easily distinguished
Easily recognizable by the size: common wooden trestle (left) and Hyalomma marginatum (right)
© picture alliance / dpa
There are a total of seven tick species that are regularly sighted in Germany. Three species are named after their favorite hosts and can mainly be found there: sheep tick, pigeon tick and brown dog tick . Humans are most affected by the common wooden trestle .
characteristics | Common wooden trestle | Hyalomma tick |
|---|---|---|
size | 2.5 to 4.5 millimeters | up to 20 millimeters |
Identifier | red-brown crescent-shaped back | light-striped legs |
transmitted diseases | Lyme disease *, TBE * | Tick-spot fever *, Crimean-Congo fever |
Tips for avoiding tick bites and how to properly remove ticks
Since there are only a few vaccines , but very dangerous diseases are transmitted by ticks , the first thing to do is to prevent a tick bite .
- Avoid tall grass and undergrowth: The common wooden trestle comes above all by wiping the skin.
- Put on long, light-colored clothing: long trousers and sleeves make it difficult for ticks to get to the skin. Light clothing also helps to quickly identify and remove the parasites .
- Insect repellents against ticks: Many repellants that repel mosquitoes are also good against tick infestation . Find out more on the packaging and apply the product especially to the legs.
- Vaccination against TBE: Although there is neither disease nor for the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever a vaccine , but for inflammatory disease TBE there is a vaccine , which is usually paid also by health insurance.
- Scanning the Whole Body: When you come home after an excursion, you should scan the entire skin for ticks that may have been bitten.
If the tick has already bitten, then pay attention to the correct method when removing the tick. Remove the tick as soon as possible as soon as you have suitable tick pliers at hand.
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* Merkur.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network.
List of rubric lists: © picture alliance / dpa
