Tick Season Begins: New FSME Risk Area Identified in Elbe-Elster

As warmer weather arrives, so does the tick season in Brandenburg, Germany. The Federal Institute for Public Health has issued a warning, emphasizing the need for individuals who enjoy outdoor activities to take precautions against tick bites. Ticks are known carriers of serious diseases, including Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE).

Recently, the Elbe-Elster district was designated as a new risk area for TBE. Currently, there are 183 districts across Germany recognized as risk areas by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), with a notably higher risk prevalent in southern regions of the country.

Last year, Brandenburg experienced a significant increase in TBE cases, reporting more than double the number of infections compared to the previous year. In 2024, the region recorded ten cases of TBE, a notable rise from just four cases in 2023, as reported by the local health ministry. However, specific locations of these cases have not been disclosed.

Ticks become active when temperatures reach approximately six degrees Celsius. TBE is caused by viruses transmitted through tick bites and can lead to severe complications, including inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Alarmingly, 99% of those affected by TBE do not have adequate vaccination coverage. The RKI notes that vaccination rates in risk areas remain relatively low, fluctuating significantly. Nationwide, the vaccination rate stood at about 19% in 2020.

It is crucial for individuals engaging in outdoor activities to be aware of these risks and to take appropriate measures to protect themselves from tick bites. This includes wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks after spending time in wooded or grassy areas.