Fright from ticks: TBE cases on the rise

Diseases - Fright from ticks: TBE cases on the rise

In Baden-Württemberg, there have been 59 new cases of the tick-borne disease FSME registered since the beginning of the year (as of June 24th). In the same period last year, there were 46 cases, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). The FSME numbers are currently rising seasonally, as the Health Ministry stated. FSME viruses are mainly transmitted to humans by ticks and can cause conditions such as encephalitis or meningitis.

Researchers predicted at the beginning of the year that it would be an especially tick-rich year due to the mild weather. According to the Health Ministry, all city and district administrations in Baden-Württemberg are considered FSME risk areas, except for the city of Heilbronn. "It's a tick year, as it appears that many ticks from the previous year have survived the mild winter and are now looking for hosts," said Professor Ute Mackenstedt, head of the Parasitology department at the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart.

As for next year, it's still too early to tell, according to Mackenstedt. This depends on various factors such as winter temperatures or the number of rodents: mice, for example, are a preferred host for tick larvae.

1. Stuttgart, being located in Baden-Württemberg, encourages residents to be aware of the increasing risk of tick-borne diseases, such as FSME, due to the high tick population this year.
2. Animals, including pets, can also be affected by tick-borne diseases like TBE, which is another concern in the region, as highlighted by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Health and Social Affairs (BMG).
3. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reported that Stuttgart, like other parts of Baden-Württemberg, has seen an increase in tick-borne diseases this year, with TBE being one of them.
4. Professor Ute Mackenstedt, an expert in parasitology at the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart, warns that tick bites can lead to serious diseases like TBE, which can affect human health.
5. To protect themselves from tick bites and related diseases, Stuttgart residents are advised to keep their gardens maintained, wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts, use insect repellents, and check their bodies for ticks regularly.

Read also:

• Tough return to normality in snow and ice
• Steinmeier joined a moment of silence - a legal battle over an AfD protest.
• German national soccer team on their way to participate in the European Championship qualifying matches.
• The flooding has lessened, but the aftermath of mud remains.