Rise in Lyme disease instances attributed to tick bites - Rise in Borreliosis instances due to tick bites
In Bavaria, Germany, the number of Lyme disease cases transmitted by ticks has significantly increased this year. By the end of July 2025, Bavaria reported 2,940 Lyme disease cases, up from 2,436 cases in the same period last year, marking a notable increase despite a wet-cold summer which might have been expected to reduce tick activity[1].
Health authorities highlight that there is no vaccine currently available for Lyme disease, but early treatment with antibiotics can prevent severe progression. The increase indicates that ticks remain highly active and infected, which may be influenced by environmental factors affecting tick populations and human exposure. Bavaria's Ministry of Health is urging caution but stresses the importance of timely medical intervention after suspected tick bites[1].
No specific detailed cause such as climate change or behavioral changes is explicitly cited in the sources, but the persistent or increasing prevalence of infected ticks combined with human outdoor activities likely contributes to the rise in cases. This aligns with a general trend seen in Germany and other European countries where Lyme disease incidence rates remain high and sometimes rise year to year[4].
Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in Germany. A characteristic symptom of Lyme disease is the "bull's-eye rash" - a circular redness around the bite site. However, it's important to note that not everyone who is bitten by an infected tick will develop this rash[2].
In light of the increasing cases, the Standing Vaccination Commission recommends the FSME vaccine for everyone who stays in a risk area, which now includes almost the entire Bavaria[3]. The FSME vaccine is well-tolerated and is covered by statutory health insurers in Bavaria. FSME, a viral inflammation of the brain, meninges, or spinal cord, is not mentioned as a tick-borne illness in the article[5].
The article does not provide information on the geographical distribution of the increased cases within Bavaria. The Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL) has registered numerous cases of FSME this year, but the article does not provide details on these cases[6].
Despite the lack of a Lyme disease vaccine, health officials emphasize the importance of prevention and early treatment. Without treatment, nerve or joint inflammation can occur weeks or months later due to Lyme disease[1]. The CSU politician, Judith Gerlach, emphasized that the sooner a tick is removed, the lower the risk of infection[7].
[1] Bayerischer Rundfunk [2] Deutsches Rotes Kreuz [3] Standige Impfkommission [4] Robert Koch-Institut [5] Robert Koch-Institut [6] LGL Bayern [7] Bayerischer Rundfunk
- The Standing Vaccination Commission, in light of the increasing cases of Lyme disease, recommends the FSME vaccine for everyone staying in a risk area, which now covers almost the entire Bavaria, emphasizing its coverage by statutory health insurers in the region.
- Lyme disease, the most common tick-borne illness in Germany, still persists in high incidence rates, not only in Bavaria but also in other European countries, with its characteristic "bull's-eye rash" being a noticeable symptom, but one that not everyone who's bitten by an infected tick will develop.
- The European Parliament, the Council, and the Commission are urged to take actions in combating such chronic diseases related to medical conditions such as Lyme disease, promoting research and development of vaccines, and enhancing health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and mental-health initiatives.
- Amid concerns over the rising number of Lyme disease cases in Bavaria, health officials advocate for timely medical intervention after suspected tick bites, highlighting the importance of early treatment with antibiotics to prevent severe progression, as well as the significance of prevention methods, such as understanding nutrition and taking precautions while in outdoor environments.
