Increase in reported Lyme disease cases compared to the previous year - Increase in Borrelia infections surpasses figures from last year
In recent months, the number of Lyme disease cases reported in Saxony has significantly increased compared to the same period last year. According to data provided by the Robert Koch Institute and Barmer Saxony, a health insurance company in Saxony, this rise in cases is primarily due to heightened exposure to ticks that carry the Lyme borreliosis bacteria.
During the past vacation weeks of this summer, 663 cases of Lyme disease were reported, compared to around 906 cases by this time last year. The total number of cases so far this year has reached 1,209, with approximately 55 percent of the cases reported during the summer vacation. This suggests that outdoor activities during the warmer months increase the likelihood of tick bites, as people spend more time in tick habitats such as forests and grassy areas.
Ticks, which transmit Lyme disease, are most active during the warmer months, especially in summer. The bacteria responsible for Lyme disease require ticks to be attached and feeding for a significant period, typically more than 12 to 24 hours, to allow transmission once a tick bite occurs. This means that caution is advised after spending time outdoors, and if a tick is found, it should be removed from the body as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Lyme disease can appear after one to six weeks and may include fatigue, fever, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, joint and muscle pain, and a characteristic bull's-eye rash (Wanderröte) at the bite site. If these symptoms are present, it is important to seek medical attention.
Monika Welfens, head of Barmer Saxony, stated that given a mild winter, it was to be expected that this year would be a tick-heavy year in Saxony. This is because a mild winter can lead to an increase in the tick population, making it easier for ticks to survive and thrive.
It is important to note that currently, no vaccine for Lyme disease is available in Europe, so prevention relies heavily on awareness and early tick removal. By thoroughly checking for tick bites after spending time outdoors and promptly removing any ticks found, individuals can help reduce their risk of contracting Lyme disease.
Further cases can still be expected after the vacation, according to Welfens. Therefore, it is crucial for people to remain vigilant and take precautions to protect themselves against ticks and Lyme disease.
[1] The Robert Koch Institute and Barmer Saxony data reflect these ecological and behavioral factors combined, which together explain the seasonal uptick in Lyme disease cases during summer in Saxony.
