More and more TBE infections by ticks Experts call for vaccination

Number of TBE cases transmitted by tick bites increased significantly

In Baden-Württemberg, for the second year in a row, significantly more people have contracted the tick-borne infectious disease FSME (tick-borne encephalitis). According to experts, the number of those affected increased by about 50 percent. Professionals call for vaccinations.

Number of TBE cases increased by about 50 percent

In the past year, significantly more people in Baden-Württemberg have contracted the tick-borne infectious disease tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) than the year before. According to a message from the news agency dpa, the state representative of the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) in Freiburg announced that the number of those affected had increased by around 50 percent. In comparison to 2015, they have even tripled. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) counted 178 patients nationwide in 2017, 58 more than in 2016. In 2015 there were 61 people infected. Reason for the increase is the Impfmüdigkeit many people in the southwest.

In Baden-Wuerttemberg, around 50 percent more people fell ill with the tick-borne infectious disease FSME (tick-borne encephalitis) last year than in the previous year. Experts call for vaccinations. (Image: stockWERK / fotolia.com)

Most people become infected with recreational activities

Already last year, Andreas Vogt, head of the TK Baden-Württemberg State Representative, stated in a statement: "As the vaccination rate according to RKI in Baden-Württemberg is insufficient, the numbers have quickly increased again as feared, since the ecological climatic factors were favorable. "

According to TK, the number of TBE cases depends, among other things, on the vaccination rate, the spread of the ticks in the respective year and the number of days on which people can stay outside due to weather conditions.

According to medical sources, 90 percent of TBE sufferers become infected with recreational activities. Especially in older people, the disease can be difficult. About one third of the infected people have symptoms of illness.

First, there are flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting and dizziness.

At around ten percent, according to doctors, meningitis and encephalitis are also associated with the risk of lasting damage such as paralysis. In one to two percent of sufferers, the disease leads to death.

Almost the entire southwest of Germany is a risk area

"Anyone who enjoys traveling in nature, even if only in the garden or park, should therefore take precautions," says Vogt.

According to the RKI, the vaccination rate in the southwest is insufficient. Not even one in three Baden-Württembergers is fully vaccinated against TBE according to an older survey.

The state health department and the health insurance called for vaccinations. As can be seen from an overview of the FSME risk areas of the RKI, in the southwest - with the exception of the city district of Heilbronn - everywhere there is the danger of becoming infected.

According to Vogt, the vaccination should take place in good time before the early summer, because time has to pass between the three vaccination appointments. In addition, a higher sensitivity for the danger is needed.

Protection against ticks

In addition to TBE, ticks can also transmit Lyme disease. Although no vaccine protects against this infectious disease, it can be treated with antibiotics.

Basically, it is best to protect yourself from ticks as well as possible. It makes sense, for example, to put the pants in the socks when you are traveling in the undergrowth and wearing long-sleeved clothing. Special insect sprays can keep the little animals away.

After a tick bite is urgent. The animal should be removed as soon as possible.

It is important that "as much as possible parts of the tick are removed to prevent inflammation," the RKI writes on its website.

"To do this, you grab the tick with a pair of tweezers or a special tick-removing instrument near the surface of the skin, ie on your mouthparts (never on the soaked body!) And pull it out of the skin slowly and straight," it continues.

The tick should not be turned as far as possible and under no circumstances should it be drizzled with oil or glue before being removed. This would unnecessarily irritate the animal and could cause it to release its saliva and thus possible infectious agents ".

After removal of the tick, careful disinfection of the wound is recommended.

According to health experts, you do not have to go to the doctor after every tick bite. The risk of contracting Lyme disease or TBE is low overall.

However, anyone who notices after the bite of a tick that skin redness occurs at the injection site should seek medical help immediately. Because this is an indication of Lyme disease.

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. (Ad)