Spring Brings Tick Danger: Experts Advise Vaccination

Warm and sunny days at the end of winter have caused the tick season to begin unusually early this year. Parasitologists have already been registering increased activity of the animals since the end of February.

The unusually mild temperatures and numerous sunny days towards the end of winter have brought ticks out of their winter dormancy early this year. According to parasitologists, the parasites have already been active since the end of February.

The number of reported cases of Lyme borreliosis has already risen significantly. Since the beginning of the year, a total of 916 infections have been recorded, according to the news channel ČT24 – about three times as many as in the same period last year.

People should be particularly vigilant not only in forests or meadows. Experts point out that ticks in urban areas may even be more frequently infected with pathogens than those in the countryside.

If a tick has attached itself, the most important thing from an expert perspective is to remove it as quickly as possible. The longer a tick remains attached to a person, the greater the likelihood that pathogens will enter the body and cause infections. It does not matter in which direction the tick is turned or whether it is twisted or pulled out.

Doctors therefore recommend vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). There is currently no vaccine against Lyme borreliosis. This makes it all the more important to check the body carefully for ticks after spending time outdoors and to remove any ticks found as quickly and properly as possible.

The TBE vaccination must be refreshed every three to five years. The cost is about CZK 1,000 per dose, with younger people usually receiving a contribution from their health insurance.

Map of Tick Activity in the Czech Republic (Map | Klíště cz)