In Bavaria, there is a high potential for Lyme disease (borreliosis bacteria) or tickborne encephalitis (TBE) caused by ticks.

ANSBACH, Germany — Summertime is tick time: as soon as the temperatures start to warm up again, ticks start to appear — preferably wherever it‘s green — in tall grass, meadows and forests.

This is very important for people who like to spend time outdoors.

Ticks (Die Zecke) are ectoparasites that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, causing various illnesses in humans and animals alike. They are found in grass, bushes, leaves, and brush, and are increasingly present in urban parks and gardens.

Due to their size, the bite itself is not dangerous, but ticks can carry bacteria or viruses that may result in serious infection or illness. The risk of becoming infected with a tick-borne disease depends on three factors: the density of the tick population, the proportion of ticks infected with a pathogen, and factors relating to human behavior.

In Bavaria, there is a high potential for Lyme disease (borreliosis bacteria) or tickborne encephalitis (TBE), which can cause fever, headache, fatigue, and achy muscles. In Germany, 50,000 to 60,000 people contract Lyme borreliosis every year and 150 to 200 tick-borne encephalitis.

Tick bites cannot completely be avoided but there are several precautions you can take. If you are going outside for hiking, walking or working (mostly in forests or areas with vegetation), wear protective clothing and footwear. This may include wearing long sleeves and long pants, tucking pants into socks, and wearing a hat or cap.

Hike in the center of trails to avoid brushing up against vegetation and avoid sitting on logs. Wear light-colored clothes so you can easily spot ticks and use special tick repellent.

Check your body for ticks after being outdoors, especially under the arms, in and around the ears, in and around your hair, inside the belly button, back of the knees, between the legs, and around the waist.

Check your clothes, including shoelaces, and don‘t forget to check your pets regularly too. Consider getting vaccinated against TBE at your local German clinic. A highly effective and well-tolerated vaccination is available to protect against TBE infection. It is recommended for all people who travel or live in TBE risk areas such as Bavaria.

Removing ticks promptly and carefully can reduce the risk of infection. Remove the tick safely using a special tick removal tool or tweezers and by pulling upward with steady pressure. Do not twist the tick or try to remove it without a tool. Clean the tick bite area thoroughly and consider keeping the tick in a sealed bag or container. Check the bite site regularly for a few weeks afterwards and look out for any redness especially if it is spreading. Seek medical attention if you observe any symptoms of tickborne illness.