Tick Warning: Lyme Disease Cases Rise Sharply in the Czech Republic

More and more cases of Lyme disease are being recorded in the Czech Republic. Experts attribute the significant increase primarily to a new reporting system and an increasingly longer tick season.

The number of reported Lyme disease cases in the Czech Republic has risen significantly. The National Institute of Public Health (SZÚ) recorded a total of 5,320 cases in the first half of 2026 – around 4,000 more than in the same period last year. The main reasons for the increase are considered to be a new case reporting procedure and the increasingly longer tick season, Czech Television (ČT24) reports.

According to the National Institute of Public Health, more than 11,000 Lyme disease cases were recorded during the whole of 2025. By the end of June this year, the figure had already reached 5,320. During the same period last year, just over 1,300 cases were reported, while in 2024 the figure was around 1,200.

The sharp statistical increase is primarily due to a change in the reporting system. Lyme disease was added to the Czech early warning system last year. Since July 2025, GPs and paediatricians have been automatically reporting relevant diagnoses.

A case can, for example, be reported on the basis of the characteristic circular skin rash that may appear after a tick bite. The previous procedure was considerably more complicated and, according to the National Institute of Public Health, resulted in many cases not being recorded.

However, the new reporting system is not the only factor. Increased tick activity is also playing a role. The tick season now begins very early in spring and extends well into autumn.

Lyme Disease Risk in the Czech Republic Higher Than the EU Average

The Czech Republic is one of the countries where Lyme disease is permanently widespread. Compared with other European Union member states, the number of cases is above average. The risk of infection is particularly high in urban areas. According to studies, between 25 and 30 per cent of ticks in cities carry the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. In forests, the nationwide figure is around ten per cent.

Despite the higher risk of Lyme disease in urban green spaces, many people reportedly do not take protective measures there. While people often wear appropriate clothing and use tick repellent when going into forests, the risk is frequently underestimated during walks in parks or while walking the dog.

The National Institute of Public Health therefore recommends using tick repellent even in urban areas and thoroughly checking the body for ticks after every visit to green spaces.

The current situation is monitored by experts throughout the year. The ČHMÚ regularly publishes current risk forecasts online and via warning apps such as “Klíšťapka” (Android). Further information about tick activity in the Czech Republic can be found at www.kliste.cz.