As of: February 27, 2024, 9:19 a.m
By: Jasmina Deshmeh
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Ticks now occur all year round in Germany.
With consequences, because the parasites can transmit TBE.
The risk exists nationwide.
According to the German Weather Service
, last year was
a record year in terms of temperatures.
Never since weather records began has it been so warm.
This means that ticks are active almost all year round.
A danger to humans because the small bloodsuckers can cause, among other things, the dangerous tick-borne encephalitis (TBE).
transmitted.
Experts warn that the risk now exists in all federal states.
TBE: Disease with possible serious consequences
Due to the mild temperatures, ticks in Germany are now active all year round (symbolic image).
© Panthermedia/Imago
In order for ticks to awaken from winter torpor, temperatures must exceed five to seven degrees on several days in a row.
Due to the mild weather of the last few weeks, the little bloodsuckers are already active.
A risk for humans because ticks can transmit TBE.
This is a disease of the meninges and the central nervous system.
According to the Federal Center for Social Education,
the majority of infected people remain
symptom-free after being bitten by an infected tick.
However, in a small proportion, complications or consequential damage occur.
In very rare cases, TBE can even be fatal.
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TBE: These are possible signs of illness
According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI),
the first symptoms of a TBE infection are
non-specific flu-like symptoms, such as:
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General feeling of illness
Fever
Headache
Body aches
Some of those affected also develop inflammation of the meninges, a so-called meningoencephalitis, around a week after the tick bite.
Inflammation of the spinal cord is also possible.
These are accompanied by renewed fever, nausea, vomiting and neurological deficits.
This can lead to symptoms of paralysis, difficulty swallowing and speaking, as well as respiratory paralysis and severe sleepiness.
Symptoms can persist for a long time, especially in adults.
However, complete healing is also possible in severe cases.
However, around one percent of those affected do not survive TBE.
There is now a risk of TBE in almost all of Germany
In most cases, infection with TBE occurs through tick bites, and in very rare cases also through contaminated food such as raw milk cheese.
Transmission from person to person is not possible.
TBE infections must be reported to the health department.
A particularly large number of cases occur annually in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.
However, tick experts warn that a TBE risk can now be expected nationwide.
Ute Mackenstedt, parasitologist at the University of Hohenheim: “The whole of Germany has become an endemic area for TBE, with clear regional differences.”
Researchers repeatedly find so-called “natural foci”, spatially limited areas with ticks that carry TBE pathogens.
Tick bites: this is how you can protect yourself
The most important measure to protect against TBE is to avoid a tick bite.
Contrary to popular belief, ticks do not live on trees, but prefer to live in tall grass, bushes and shrubs.
When hiking or walking in nature, long trousers and shirts, sturdy shoes and socks (over the trouser legs) are recommended.
Sprays with anti-tick ingredients are also available in drugstores, supermarkets and pharmacies.
After spending time outdoors, it makes sense to check your body for ticks and, in the event of a bite, remove them as quickly as possible.
It is important to also remove the head of the tick, otherwise the skin can become inflamed.
Home remedies such as oil are not recommended.
They stress the animal unnecessarily and cause the tick to release additional saliva and thus potentially additional pathogens into the skin.
After removing the tick, the wound must be cleaned.
Vaccination offers protection against TBE
Another way to protect yourself from TBE is vaccination.
It is particularly recommended for people who live in TBE risk areas and/or spend a lot of time outdoors, such as forest workers and foresters.
Three vaccinations are necessary for full protection; a booster vaccination should be given after three years.
If a non-vaccinated person has become infected with TBE pathogens, vaccination can no longer prevent the outbreak of the disease.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editorial team cannot answer individual questions about medical conditions.