Hesse breathes a sigh of relief: only seven TBE cases thanks to extreme heat!

Hesse breathes a sigh of relief: only seven TBE cases thanks to extreme heat!

It's currently quite pleasant in Hesse - not only for people, but also for the ticks. The warm temperatures mean that the number of tick bites is decreasing this season. According to the Hessian Ministry of Health, only seven cases of TBE (tick-borne encephalitis) have been reported so far. This number has remained stable compared to previous years, as ffh.de reports.

The most common tick species, the common wood tick, is less active at higher temperatures. Invasive species such as the hyaloma tick feel comfortable in these conditions, but they are still rare and not widespread in Hesse. This comparatively positive news comes at the right time, as ticks can transmit various pathogens and proper prevention is crucial.

Protection against tick bites

The experts recommend complete vaccination protection against TBE. However, the TBE vaccination does not protect against other tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease. A quick replacement of the ticks - if they actually bite - is also important: removal must be done carefully to prevent the transmission of Borrelia. Ideally, squeezing the tick body should be avoided and the bite site should be observed after removal. Any redness or flu-like symptoms that occur are a reason to see a doctor. To be on the safe side, additional protective measures such as wearing long-sleeved, tight clothing and using insect repellent are useful. Anyone who is active in nature should regularly check for ticks, as [zecken.de points out](https://www.zecken.de/de/fsmerisk areas-deutschland).

The Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) recommends the TBE vaccination for people who live in or travel to risk areas. These are particularly regions with a higher incidence of ticks, such as Offenbach, Darmstadt and several districts in Hesse. In order to understand the origins of the TBE viruses, it should be mentioned that they can be transmitted through a tick bite, which once again underlines the importance of prevention.

What to do if you have TBE?

The risk areas in Hesse are not the only ones where TBE can occur. There is also a risk of TBE in areas that are not officially designated as risk zones. A clear recommendation from AOK is to check vaccination before traveling to potential risk areas. This is particularly true in countries such as the Czech Republic, Austria and parts of Poland and Switzerland, where there is a risk of infection with so-called Far Eastern or Siberian TBE virus subtypes, which can trigger significantly more serious courses of the disease. Regular vaccination is therefore not only useful, but also necessary to protect yourself and your health.

Overall, the current figures show that the heat-related inactivity of ticks in Hesse is a positive development. However, vigilance and appropriate precautions remain essential for all nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.