Teck alarm in Saarland: TBE risk increases, protective measures are necessary!

Teck alarm in Saarland: TBE risk increases, protective measures are necessary!

The tick season in Germany is imminent, and with it the risk of diseases from early summer meningoencephalitis (TBE). According to the current reports of the Saarland Rundfunks , the Saarpfalz-Kreis in Saarland is once again classified as an OF THE risk area. This classification is based on the regularly updated risk card of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), which documents the spread of TSME.

The rising temperatures in the coming months make ticks become more active. The RKI registered a total of 686 TBE diseases in Germany in 2024, which represents the second highest number since 2001. Five of these cases were reported in Saarland. The fact that 59 % of patients showed neurological symptoms is particularly worrying, and there were three deaths in connection with this disease.

risk areas and prevention measures

TSME is mainly transmitted by tick bites. The virus is transmitted quickly, since it is already available in the salivary glands of the ticks. In contrast to borreliosis, the risk of transmission in TSME increases regardless of the duration of the suction. Most TBE diseases occur between May and October, with a peak in June, such as the nali-vaccination documented

In Germany, the southern regions of TBE are particularly affected, with the Birkenfeld district in Rhineland-Palatinate, in addition to the Saarland. The RKI updates the map of the TBE risk areas annually, which are mainly in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria as well as in parts of Hesse, Thuringia and Saxony. Frankfurt (Oder) and the district of Altenburger Land have been added.

symptoms and vaccination

The symptoms of TBE infection can have serious consequences and contain fever, headache and in severe cases, brain, brain or spinal cord infections. While the actual number of diseases transmitted by ticks may be higher than reported, a TBE vaccination is recommended for people in risk areas that regularly come into contact with ticks. Vaccination provides reliable protection against the disease.

The tick bite is not just a phenomenon in rural areas; Ticks are also active in urban parks and gardens, especially in moist and warm environments. Therefore, it is advisable to find out more about protective measures and a possible vaccination in these areas.

The current situation requires increased attention and caution for everyone who spend a lot of time outdoors. A worrying trend is the constant increase in TBE cases, which underlines the importance of preventive measures.