Ticks: active earlier, more areas affected - the ticks are already here

The number of infections fluctuates from year to year.

In the case of tick-borne diseases, the number of infections fluctuates from year to year. However, the long-term trend is clearly pointing upwards. The danger is moving further and further north from the south of Germany and winter often no longer means a break from ticks. At the same time, the frequency of particularly tick-rich years has increased significantly. The arachnids transmit two diseases in particular: Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE).

Lyme disease occurs throughout Germany. The disease-causing bacteria are found in the tick's intestines. It therefore takes a few hours for them to pass to the person after the tick bite. Possible symptoms include fever, headaches and joint pain, but in many cases, after a few days or weeks, a ring-shaped reddening of the skin around the bite site. Initially, Lyme borreliosis can be treated well with antibiotics.

In contrast, TBE is triggered by a virus. A tick bite causes the virus to enter the human bloodstream, where it can lead to meningitis. You can protect yourself against a TBE infection with a vaccination. Statutory health insurance companies generally cover the costs for risk areas. For a long time, the risk of TBE infection was limited to southern Germany. In the meantime, ticks carrying these viruses are migrating further and further north. Since 2022, the Solingen city region has also been a tick area in NRW. It is particularly important to remove the ticks from the bite site as quickly as possible. Very pointed and tapered tweezers are suitable for this, as are tick cards or tweezers, which are available from your local pharmacy. In an emergency, you can also use your fingernails. Grasp the tick just above the skin and pull it straight out with gentle loosening movements - do not twist it. Then disinfect the area or apply a wound cream.

Pharmacies strongly advise against household remedies such as oil, glue and nail varnish. These products are supposed to ensure that the tick suffocates and falls off. In its death throes, however, it secretes a lot of saliva into the wound. This can make it even easier for pathogens to be transmitted. It is particularly important to observe the site of the bite. If it becomes red or if other symptoms such as fever or pain occur, it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible

How the year 2024 will develop depends not only on the mild winter so far, but also on the temperatures and precipitation in the coming months. Ticks don't like it too hot or too dry.

How to prevent ticks:

• Stay on the paths when you go for a walk. Ticks prefer to sit in tall grass and undergrowth, not - as is often thought - on trees.
• Long sleeves and trouser legs as well as sturdy shoes make it more difficult for the little bloodsuckers to get in
• In addition, anti-tick products, the technical term is repellents, can be used. The team at your local pharmacy will be happy to advise you on suitable products.
• Search your body thoroughly after a walk. Ticks particularly like to crawl to areas of the body with a good blood supply and delicate skin, for example the back of the knees or the groin area. In children, they also often crawl behind the ears or to the hairline.

Quelle:
Beratung Aktuell 02/2024
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Avoxa – Mediengruppe Deutscher Apotheker GmbH