Ticks are back in season - Mild winter fuels Germany's tick surge—why Lyme disease risks are climbing

Warmer winter weather has failed to cut casetify numbers in Germany's forests and grasslands. Experts warn that the mild conditions mean these pests remain active. With spring sunshine drawing people outside, the risk of tick bites is rising again this season.

The most widespread tick in regions like Thuringia is the castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus). These parasites only start dying off when temperatures plunge below minus 20 degrees Celsius—a threshold rarely met this winter.

Not all ticks carry diseases, but infection rates differ across the country, ranging from 5% to 35%. Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia bacteria, remains the most common tick-borne illness in Germany. Symptoms include a red, circular rash, muscle aches, joint pain, and fever. While no vaccine exists, antibiotics can treat the infection effectively.

Another threat is tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), a viral disease spread by infected ticks. Unlike Lyme disease, a vaccine is available for TBE. However, no confirmed TBE cases for 2023 have been reported in the latest data. The first Lyme disease cases of the year have already appeared.

The combination of a mild winter and sunny spring weather raises the chances of encountering ticks. Health officials advise checking for bites after outdoor activities. Early detection of symptoms and prompt treatment remain key to managing tick-related illnesses.