Ticks are back in season - Early Tick Surge in Thuringia Raises Lyme Disease Concerns This Spring

Warmer spring weather has brought ticks out earlier than usual in Thuringia. Despite a mild winter, these pests have survived in large numbers across woodlands and grassy areas. Health officials are now warning residents about the rising risk of tick bites and related diseases.

The most common tick in the region, the castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus), remains active even after mild winters. These parasites only begin to die off when temperatures plunge to minus 20 degrees Celsius—something this past winter failed to achieve. As a result, early reports confirm that ticks are already spreading Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is the most widespread tick-borne disease in Germany, with around two dozen cases recorded in Thuringia since January. Symptoms often include a distinctive red, ring-shaped rash, along with muscle pain, joint stiffness, and fever. While no vaccine exists, the infection can be treated with antibiotics if caught early.

Beyond Lyme disease, Thuringia also faces a higher-than-average risk of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), especially in its eastern and southeastern areas. Nationally, Germany sees between 200 and 400 TBE cases each year, with southern states like Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg reporting the highest numbers. However, Thuringia and Saxony remain hotspots in the east.

Across the country, ticks bite between 300,000 and 400,000 people annually. Of those, 60,000 to 100,000 develop Lyme borreliosis, while TBE infections hover in the low hundreds. Sunny spring days, which encourage outdoor activities, further increase the chances of encountering ticks.

Residents in Thuringia are advised to take precautions when spending time outdoors. Wearing long sleeves, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks after walks in grassy or wooded areas can help reduce exposure. Early detection of Lyme disease remains crucial, as prompt treatment prevents more serious health complications.