Ticks are back in season - Thuringia braces for rising Lyme disease as warmer weather fuels tick activity

Warmer spring weather has raised concerns about tick activity in Thuringia. The region has already reported its first Lyme disease cases of the year. Experts warn that mild winter conditions failed to reduce tick numbers in wooded and grassy areas.

Lyme disease remains the most common tick-borne illness in Germany. Caused by Borrelia bacteria, it spreads through the bite of infected ticks. Symptoms often include a red, ring-shaped rash, muscle and joint pain, and fever. Unlike some other tick-borne diseases, no vaccine exists for Lyme disease, though antibiotics can treat it effectively.

Thuringia recorded 626 Lyme disease infections last year. The region also saw 11 cases of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), a more severe but rarer illness. The castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus), the most widespread species in the area, thrives in mild conditions. These ticks only begin to die off when temperatures plummet to minus 20 degrees Celsius.

The risk of TBE in Thuringia is particularly high in the eastern and southeastern parts. While exact nationwide figures for 2023 are unavailable, data from 2025 show 693 TBE cases across Germany. Health officials urge caution as warmer weather increases the chances of tick encounters.

Residents and visitors in Thuringia are advised to take precautions against ticks. Wearing protective clothing and checking for bites after outdoor activities can lower infection risks. Early detection of Lyme disease and prompt treatment remain key to preventing complications.