Cacking season 2025: How to protect yourself from TBE infections!

Cacking season 2025: How to protect yourself from TBE infections!

The cile season 2025 has started and with it the risk of TBE infections in Germany increases. As swp.de were reported in Saarland in 2024. This represents a worrying trend, especially since the most common TBE diseases occur between May and October, with a significant increase in the summer months.

The Saarpfalz district in Saarland remains a proven TBE risk area. The status of the risk areas remains unchanged compared to the previous year, based on the number of reported TBE cases according to the Infection Protection Act (IFSG). The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) uses a specific statistical method to determine whether the number of TBE cases in a district is significantly higher than expected. A district is classified as a risk area if more cases are registered over a period of five years than would be expected of an incidence of one case per 100,000 inhabitants per year.

risk areas and their determination

The risk areas retain their status for at least two decades. This regulation arises from the lack of signs of a decline in the TBE-natural herd in these areas. Free information on the topic is available in a current epidemiological bulletin of the RKI, in which the situation of further TBE risk areas in Germany is dealt with in detail.

according to Zecken.de FSME risk areas are often incorrectly equated with tick areas. Ticks are widespread all over Germany, but their habitats extend over the ground -related vegetation such as high grass, bushes and undergrowth. An official tick cards or risk areas do not exist, which makes it difficult to assess the danger situation. It is important to note that ticks themselves are not dangerous; However, they can transmit pathogens, such as the TBE viruses, which are immediately released when they are stabbed because they are in the blinds of the tick.

protective measures and vaccination recommendations

In order to protect themselves from ticking bites and potential infections, various measures are recommended. These include:

• Vaccination against TBE
• wearing long clothing
• Use of anti-tick spray
• Thorough search for stays outdoors

The constant vaccination commission (STIKO) recommends the TBE vaccination not only for residents of TBE risk areas, but also for people who travel to these areas and come into contact with ticks. The costs for TBE vaccination protection are covered by statutory health insurance companies for both residents and visitors to risk areas in Germany. In addition, most health insurance companies also cover the vaccination costs for trips to European risk areas. Comprehensive advice on TBE vaccination should be made by a doctor.