Is it a tickle or a card that's under discussion?
In the picturesque landscapes of Germany, a silent threat lurks - ticks. These tiny arachnids are not just a nuisance but can transmit a range of diseases, with Lyme disease being the most common.
Dr. Steffen Schmidt, a renowned expert in the field, explains that while the southern region of Germany is notably prone to early summer meningitis, a viral meningitis transmitted by ticks, these creatures can be found throughout the country.
Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is a concern, but the likelihood of infection is low if you find the tick on you in time. However, if you observe the spreading redness around the bite, it's crucial to seek medical attention promptly.
Beyond Lyme disease, ticks in Germany can transmit several other diseases. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), also known as early summer meningoencephalitis (FSME), is a viral infection affecting the central nervous system. The highest risk zones are in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, parts of Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Thuringia.
Rickettsial diseases, caused by bacteria transmitted by ticks, pose another threat. Spotted fever group rickettsioses are among them. Tularemia, transmitted primarily by Dermacentor species ticks, and Babesiosis, a malaria-like disease caused by Babesia parasites, mainly transmitted by Ixodes species ticks, are also concerns.
Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) or granulocytic ehrlichiosis, a bacterial infection causing fever and flu-like symptoms, is another disease transmitted by ticks. Neoehrlichiosis, a very rare bacterial infection with only about 10 documented cases in Europe, is another lesser-known threat.
Other pathogens sometimes transmitted by ticks in Europe include viruses like Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus and potentially emerging tick-borne viruses. However, these are either rare or not confirmed as significant in Germany specifically.
It's important to note that tick bites do not itch, but the creature is relatively easy to see on the skin. A tick remover or tick cards can be used to safely remove a tick from the skin.
Lyme disease, if left untreated, can become chronic, causing damage to large joints or nerves. Early summer meningitis, on the other hand, is usually difficult to treat.
In risk areas like southern Saxony, eastern Brandenburg, Bavaria, and partly in Thuringia, it's recommended to get vaccinated against early summer meningitis. A vaccine for Lyme disease is currently being developed in Europe that should immunize against several bacterial strains, but its deployment is yet to be seen.
Dr. Schmidt, known for having answers to most questions, emphasizes the importance of being informed and vigilant. If you suspect a tick bite or observe the spreading redness, it's crucial to seek medical attention promptly.
- In Germany, ticks can transmit various medical-conditions such as Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), rickettsial diseases, human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA), and Neoehrlichiosis.
- Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is a concern, but the likelihood of infection is low if you find the tick on you in time.
- Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), a viral infection affecting the central nervous system, poses a significant threat in the highest risk zones like Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, parts of Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Thuringia.
- Ticks can also transmit skin-conditions such as Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus and potentially emerging tick-borne viruses, but these are either rare or not confirmed as significant in Germany specifically.
- For eye-health, it's recommended to seek medical attention promptly if a tick bite results in spreading redness, as Lyme disease, if left untreated, can become a chronic-disease causing damage to large joints or nerves.
- To maintain cardiovascular-health and fitness-and-exercise routines, it's crucial to avoid tick-infested areas or take necessary precautions such as using insect repellent and performing regular body checks.
- Mental-health matters too, and being informed and vigilant about the risks associated with tick bites can help reduce anxiety and maintain a health-and-wellness lifestyle.
