They lurk in woods, high Grass and bushes: are ticks as pathogen feared. In Germany and other regions as a TBE risk area apply now.
In Germany to 2018 higher than average number of people affected by the disease of tick-borne encephalitis TBE. In addition, the areas at risk a jump to the North. With 583 reported cases of tick-borne encephalitis, the previous maximum value was exceeded in 2006 (546). According to a recent report by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in Berlin.
Thus, there is now, for the first time in a TBE risk area in Northern Germany: In lower Saxony the administrative district of Emsland, more and more people were suffering from. The four other new risk areas in Saxony and Bavaria borders of existing risk areas. Furthermore, there is a risk, according to the RKI, especially in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, in the South of Hesse, in the South-Eastern Thuringia and Parts of Saxony. "It needs to be watched carefully, whether TBE natural foci of establishing themselves long term in the Northern and Western regions of Germany, and more ausbreiten", the experts write.
Ecological-Climatic factors are in favor of Transfers
The values of 2018 were 20 percent above those of the previous year. A RKI spokeswoman said, fluctuations of the case, be paid at TBE usual. Presumably, the good summer had created 2018 favorable conditions for the Transmission of TBE virus. The report States, in other years, with high case, the Interaction was likely to be ecological-climatic factors favored the Events: ticks and viruses are probably more widespread, also nice weather leads to more people in the nature.
People that could have in areas at risk contact with ticks, it is recommended to have a vaccination. The TBE vaccination rates there are "still insufficient, a sharp increase of TBE-Fallzahlen" to prevent, the report said. Most of the diseases are classified as preventable. 98 percent of the 2018 covered TBE patients were not or insufficiently vaccinated.
Ticks can also transmit other pathogens
The risk of TBE is increasing, according to the RKI from the age of 40 years, men more vulnerable than women. The time from may to October is considered the peak phase. The disease begins with flu-like symptoms. A minority of those Affected it can be skin after a short period of time without symptoms a second Phase, with brain-, brain – or spinal cord inflammation. In very severe cases, failures with slight paralysis, seizure disorders, or long-lasting headaches are possible. Only in the extreme case, the disease is fatal.
Ticks can transmit in addition to TBE virus other pathogens such as the bacteria that caused Lyme disease. After a tick bite, a characteristic red Ring is then formed, often on the skin. Other symptoms may be muscle and joint pain as well as fever. There are antibiotics against the disease. If left untreated, consequences are, however, different late. Typical risk areas and Vaccination.
The RKI recommends removing ticks immediately and disinfect the wound. Bright, closed clothes could help tick bites prevention, as well as the Avoid of undergrowth and high Grass.
