Transmitted by ticks Significantly fewer cases of Lyme disease

Dangerous infectious disease: fewer cases of Lyme disease reported

The Lyme disease cases in Thuringia declined significantly in the past year. The infectious disease caused by bacteria and transmitted by ticks can in the worst case lead to death. A vaccine against the disease is not available. Therefore, one should be well protected from ticks when staying in nature.

Ticks transmit dangerous diseases

Ticks can transmit dangerous infectious diseases such as tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) or Lyme disease. The former occurs only in certain risk areas, which are visible on a map of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). The latter, however, is widespread nationwide. But in some regions of the republic the number of illnesses has decreased.

The so-called "Wanderröte" - a red ring that forms around a tick bite, is a sure symptom of Lyme disease. In such a case, you must necessarily see a doctor. (Image: Smileus / fotolia.com)

Significantly fewer cases of Lyme disease in Thuringia

According to a news agency dpa, 454 people in Thuringia suffered from the bacterial and tick-borne infectious disease borreliosis last year.

The number of reported cases is therefore significantly lower compared to the previous year (575 cases), said the Ministry of Health.

According to the information, 21 cases are already known to the Ministry this year.

Because what many do not know: Ticks can also be active in winter, when temperatures exceed about seven degrees Celsius.

Only a small part of the bitten gets infected

Although TBE, which can lead to brain and meningitis, is considered more dangerous, even Lyme disease can be life-threatening.

Although not every tick bite causes Lyme disease, but who after a stay in the countryside noticed a flushing redness on his skin, should definitely consult a doctor - even if he has not noticed any of the crawlies.

"The incidence of Borrelia in ticks varies greatly both regionally and on a small scale and can be up to 30%," writes the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) on its website.

According to the experts, scientific research has shown that about five percent of people bitten by a tick get infected with borrelia.

"Only a very small proportion of those infected, around one percent, develop disease symptoms," says the RKI.

Illness can lead to death if left untreated

Among the symptoms of the disease include general symptoms such as fatigue, night sweats, fever and nonspecific joint and muscle pain.

The so-called "Wanderröte" - a red ring that surrounds the tick bite - is a 100 percent symptom, but only occurs in half of the patients.

If you are not sure about a redness after an insect bite or bite, you can compare it with pictures of the so-called Erythema migrans on the Internet.

If the disease remains unrecognized and untreated, it can lead to chronic damage to, among other things, the heart, nerves and joints and in the worst case to death.

There is no vaccine against the disease. Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics.

Protect against ticks

To avoid infections, it is best to protect yourself from ticks. Ideally, one stays on the trails while walking.

When hiking, you should always remember to wear long trousers and, if necessary, put the trouser legs in the socks. Specialized sprays, known as repellents, can keep the creepy-crawlies away.

In addition, one should search thoroughly after spending time in nature and, if necessary, react quickly.

After a tick bite is urgent. The animal should be removed as soon as possible because: "The tick must suck for a longer time before the pathogen is transmitted," writes the RKI.

"The risk of infection increases after a suction time of more than 12 hours. Removing the tick at an early stage, the transmission risk is therefore very low. "(Ad)