Ticks transmit pathogens such as the TBE virus (tick-borne encephalitis) and Lyme disease bacteria. While vaccination protects against TBE, Lyme disease requires caution after spending time outdoors.

Signs of infection

Lyme disease: A characteristic symptom is the erythema migrans rash – a circular, spreading redness around the bite site, often appearing days or weeks later. Flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and muscle aches also occur.

TBE: Often progresses in two phases. After initial feverish symptoms, there is often a symptom-free interval before the nervous system may be affected.

Effective Protection Measures

Clothing: Wear light-colored, long clothing (ticks are easier to spot) and tuck your pants into your socks.

Repellents: Apply insect sprays containing active ingredients like DEET or Icaridin to your skin and clothing.

Checking: After every outing in tall grass, bushes, or undergrowth, thoroughly check your body – especially your armpits, the backs of your knees, your groin, and the hairline for children.

Proper Removal

Grasping: Grasp the tick with tweezers or a tick removal card, close to the skin at the base of the tip.

Pulling: Pull the tick straight out slowly and slowly (do not twist or squeeze).

Disinfecting: Thoroughly disinfect the bite site.

Avoid: Use oil, glue, or alcohol before removal, as the tick may release saliva containing pathogens as it dies.

When to See a Doctor?

Consult a doctor if a rash develops around the bite, if fever or fatigue occurs in the weeks following the bite, or if the bite site becomes severely swollen and painful.